Common mistakes when applying active teaching methods through games: Some things to know
Misunderstanding about the nature of games in applying active teaching methods through games.
A common misunderstanding when applying active teaching methods through games is to consider games as just entertainment activities, with no learning value. However, games not only help students increase interest and interaction, but can also help students develop logical thinking, creativity, communication and problem-solving skills. Understanding the nature of the game will help teachers apply this method more effectively.
Lack of specific and clear plans when using games in the active teaching process.
When applying active teaching methods with games, one of the points to note is the clear and specific plan. A lack of planning can lead to the game not being as effective as expected, or students can easily get lost during the game. Therefore, teachers need to ensure that the plan for using games is clearly defined and detailed, from goals, implementation methods, to scoring and post-game feedback.
Notes when planning to use games in teaching:
- Clearly define the learning goals the game wants to achieve
- Provide a detailed plan for how the game will be run, including rules, timing, equipment used, and scoring
- Ensure that the game accurately reflects the lesson content and brings learning benefits to students
This helps games become an important part of the learning process, promoting student interest and positivity.
Overuse of games leads to loss of student concentration.
Using games in education can bring many benefits, but overuse of games can also lead to student distraction. When games are not used in a reasonable and planned manner, students can easily get lost in the game and forget their learning goals. This can affect the process of acquiring knowledge and the effectiveness of learning.
Lack of expertise on how to use games to create positive learning environments.
The lack of expertise in how to use games in teaching is a major challenge for many teachers. Applying games is not simply for students to play, but must also be combined with specific educational goals. This requires teachers to have deep professional knowledge and know how to combine lesson content with games appropriately. In addition, it is necessary to know how to create a positive learning environment through games, ensuring that students not only play but also learn from games.
The risk of losing classroom control and management when using games in active teaching.
1. Loss of student concentration
When using games in active teaching, there is a risk that students will lose focus on learning goals and only focus on playing games. This can lead to students not being able to grasp the knowledge they need to learn and not being able to apply that knowledge in practice.
2. Difficulty controlling time
Games can lead to loss of control over time in the classroom. If not managed carefully, games can take too long, leading to failure to complete the intended learning content. This can affect the teacher's learning progress and teaching plans.
3. Excessive competition
During the process of participating in the game, excessive competition between students may occur, leading to loss of cooperation and communication in the classroom. This can affect a positive learning environment and cause friction between students.
Lack of innovation and creativity in choosing games suitable for specific lessons.
One of the weaknesses of the active teaching method with games is the lack of innovation and creativity in choosing games suitable for specific lessons. Sometimes, teachers can fall into the situation of repeating familiar games without creating something new and attractive for students. This can reduce the fun and effectiveness of active teaching methods with games.
How to fix:
- Research and apply new games, appropriate to lesson content and student age.
- Create creative, unique games to stimulate students' curiosity and interest in learning.
- Regularly update and change the game to ensure it is new and attractive for students.
Not taking into account differences in students' abilities and interests when applying active teaching methods through games.
When applying active teaching methods through games, not taking into account differences in students' abilities and interests can lead to some students feeling pressured and not interested in participating. Each student has his or her own abilities and interests, and failure to respect this can reduce the effectiveness of active teaching methods through games.
Note:
- Pay attention to game variety to accommodate a wide range of student abilities and interests.
- Always listen to feedback from students after each lesson to adjust teaching methods to suit each student.
- Offer customized activities to suit each student's ability level, thereby facilitating active participation for all students.
Lack of understanding of how games influence the application of active learning methods.
A lack of understanding of how games can affect the application of active learning methods. Many teachers may not clearly understand how to organize games in accordance with lesson content, leading to the game not being as effective as expected. This can cause student loss of interest and failure to achieve educational goals.
Lack of dedicated advice and support from teachers when using games in active teaching.
When applying active teaching methods with games, one of the common problems is the lack of dedicated advice and support from teachers. Sometimes, teachers just offer games without providing enough information about the goals, how to participate, or are not dedicated to guiding students to participate in the game effectively. This can take away from the positive nature of the game and not achieve the desired results.
Some points to note:
- Teachers need to clearly understand the game and how to apply it in the teaching process.
- It is necessary to consult and support students in a dedicated way, helping them clearly understand the goals and meaning of the game.
- Teachers need to create conditions for students to participate in the game in the most active and effective way.
This will help the game become an effective learning tool, helping students develop skills and knowledge comprehensively.
The risk of creating boredom and loss of interest among students in the game during the active teaching process.
1. Loss of learning goals
During the process of participating in the game, students may lose focus on the original learning goal. They may focus too much on winning the game and forget the purpose of learning and the knowledge they need to learn. This can lead to students not gaining the skills and knowledge that teachers want to impart.
2. Interest decreases after a while
Some games can become boring if used too long or too often. Students may lose interest and motivation when participating in games they have played many times before. This can reduce the effectiveness of active teaching methods through games.
In the process of applying the active teaching method of games, some common mistakes cannot be avoided such as not ensuring the balance between entertainment and learning, lack of careful planning and preparation. Identifying and correcting errors will help optimize the effectiveness of this method.
