Describes MATRIX-1, a small group activity that can be used to show interrelationships between various factors. Examples include values clarification; procedural phases; relationships among people; resource allocation; related concepts; and group decision making activities. Modifications to MATRIX-1 are discussed that allow for variations in…

Challenges the assumption that library skills are not a legitimate aspect of sociology courses. Argues that library skills are learned most effectively through an active process of participation and experience. Suggests and describes a library scavenger hunt as an effective learning exercise. (DB)

Presents several time-effective classroom games that can be used to help students discover the consequences of two important concepts in public finance: the free rider problem and the voting paradox. Maintains that these games encourage student involvement and stimulate class discussion. (DB)

A Polish technique for second-language instruction among young children uses playful activities, particularly drawing and coloring, alongside dialogues for effective language learning. In a cooperative exercise, students create their own books using their own art and newly learned vocabulary. (MSE)

Facilitators can be and often are unaware of damage that may be caused by participation in interactive learning events (simulations, role-plays, games, etc.). This is sometimes due to a confusion about what sort of event is taking place. Two hypothetical situations and one real incident are provided and analyzed. Lessons are drawn and…

Speculates on why such little progress has been made regarding the effective application of educational simulation/games and suggests that the field's eclectic foundation has been good for its development but bad for its rigorous assessment. Antecedents for meaningful research and generating a body of literature are outlined. (Author/LRW)

Used naturalistic observation to study 242 first- to third- graders playing two games that varied in physicality and competitiveness. As predicted, children interacted more often with same-sex peers. Findings support the necessity of investigating social context as an influence on children's own-sex favoritism. (SLD)

Explains how games can be used to stimulate interest and aid conceptual understanding. Focuses on working with Year Six children and simulation exercises designed to support understanding of feeding relationships and food chains. (DDR)

Three preschool children with developmental disabilities participated in a social-skills intervention involving use of collage placemats with pictures to foster turn-taking verbal interactions with peers at the lunch table. The intervention resulted in doubling the rate of interactions with peers. Generalization to regular lunchtime occurred when…

Illustrates the game-theory concept of a dominant strategy using the MTV-network game show "Singled Out." Describes how the game show works and why this makes it attractive as an example of strategic behavior. Presents examples of how the show is used in class. (DSK)

Provides support for using computer games in the English curriculum, as texts of the new technologies, to strengthen links between students' in-school and out-of-school worlds. Claims that far from presenting a threat to accepted literacy practices, the games help students gain an awareness of how texts work and become more reflexive about the…

Examines traditional techniques for teaching second-language vocabulary and compares them with the use of language games for vocabulary presentation and revision to determine which approach is more successful. (Author/VWL)

This article describes use of the 16 cubes game with 30 students (ages 7-11) born with blindness or low vision and attending a special school in Turkey. The game develops participants' spatial skills as he/she sorts cubes of various textures into large cardboard stands. The game requires constant physical motion by the child while orienting to the…

Describes several riddle and game settings used in preschool classrooms, reports observations of responses from young children, and suggests avenues of intervention. Addresses importance of the teacher's role, careful orchestration of questions and discussion, listening with skill, and appropriate positive feedback in assisting children in…

Describes a high school course created so that it is constructed of four topics dissimilar in character and bearing little mathematical relation to each other, does not demand specific prerequisite knowledge in mathematics, and provides general knowledge of game theory and its concerns. Studies students' grades and attitudes toward the course.…