A fun way to review completed content is to use a Jeopardy game-style format. There are many ways to do this kind of review. Choose the one that fits best with students, the time available to use for review and the resources available.
Some format examples for Jeopardy lesson review include: using a PowerPoint program and overhead projector, using computers, using a chalkboard or bulletin board or sitting at small tables using paper Jeopardy charts. You may be able to find already prepared Jeopardy questions on the material you need to cover, you can create your own answers and questions or you can have students create some or all of the content to be reviewed.
Jeopardy Format
The Jeopardy game format can of course be modified as needed. However, the general format to follow is that the role of questions and answers are reversed. The student is given the answer and must figure out and say or write the question which would have created the answer. If you are unsure, watch a Jeopardy game show and you will soon be comfortable with the way the questions and answers are switched.
Next, the standard Jeopardy format includes two rounds of play, with the first round having six categories with five questions in each category. The questions are ranked in difficulty and given a dollar or points amount with 100 being the easiest and 500 being the hardest in the first round and 200 being the easiest and 1000 being the hardest in the second round.
Final Jeopardy is the last answer in the game and contestants can wager the entire amount they have earned throughout the game. They are given a category and before they see the final answer, they decide how much they want to risk. After seeing the answer, they write down the final question and the points are compiled to determine the winner.
Preparing Answers and Questions
First choose the categories you will be covering. If you are only teaching one subject which covers one unit of study, you may find it hard to come up with enough categories to do a complete game. Doing only one round of Jeopardy with six categories is an option. You can also include a fun or silly category if the other categories are all serious review topics.
For each category choose five answers with matching questions. Make sure each answer, the clue given to the students, leads only to the matching question. Consider having the students prepare answers and questions for each category as part of the review process. It will make your job easier as all you'll have to do is edit the questions and answers. Rate each answer and question pair as to difficulty from one to five so they can be placed in the appropriate position on the Jeopardy grid.
Using Microsoft PowerPoint
Using PowerPoint, or any similar program, enables the creation of a slide system. It's fairly easy to input the categories, answers, and questions for each slide. You will need a copy of Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer. If you are unsure how to begin, try using an already prepared Jeopardy template.
Once you have the PowerPoint presentation completed, you can use it with a laptop and overhead projector on a screen as with and PowerPoint presentation. If all students have access to computers, they could each have their own slide presentation running at the same time.
Remember the game is still fun to play even if you don't use PowerPoint. You can follow the same format and use the chalkboard, writing categories on the board. You could also use paper copies of the answers and have students write out the questions.
Make sure the students understand the rules of Jeopardy. It helps to briefly go over the rules before beginning the game. If students know the correct answer but forget to phrase it in the form of a question, prompt them to re-phrase rather than making them get it wrong. After all, the point of the classroom game is fun review.
Angela Kleinow - I graduated from the University of Michigan, where I focused on Science Fiction and Fantasy for my senior seminar while working with the ...
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