Games in Class

During our past class we got to play various games related to topics in Advanced Functions and Data Management. It was fun the various activities that were brought out to bring out some competition in the class. The one was a simple game of war, using logarithms and having us practice how to do basic logarithm calculations. Another game was solving problems using logarithm laws and then if the we got the correct answer we got to attempt to score a basket using our crumpled up piece of paper. This was fun as not only did it involve math but also some skills outside of the math classroom, so those who may not excel in math may still be able to do well in the game. The final activity wasn't a game but still a hands on activity, involving various stations in which probabilities were determined. The station I was had a pair of dice and involved determining the probabilities to get a certain sum when rolling a pair of dice.



Overall I think the addition of games and activities like these into the course helps to better engage the class, and through that learn the material better. I found myself interested in playing the games and trying to win as I am competitive, where as I may not have been as interested in a regular classroom work and been distracted.  However there is one thing to be mindful of with such games and activities, which is that they may be more time consuming then a regular class. As a result depending on how much time you have within the course you may need to be selective in when you use such activities. Having said that though I think there is a great benefit to using such activities and so even if it's happening occasionally I think it's a good break from the classroom routine that students may be used to.