Thinking Skills Bingo!!

This is a teaching and learning strategy that I used extensively when teaching KS3 Geography.The concept is very simple, takes virtually no preparation and is extremely effective.I used to play Bingo by putting a list of around 15 key words on the board, getting the students to choose 9 and putting each word in the square of a Bingo grid (I have pre-printed Bingo cards which I just hand out). I then read out the definitions and the students cross off the relevant key word when they hear it described. However, a more challenging and interactive way to play Bingo is by asking the students to come up with what they believe will be the most popular key words associated with a topic. This forces the students to think hard about the topic that they have just covered.So, I would ask the students to draw a large 9 square bingo grid in their exercise book or on a scrap piece of paper. Then, in each square I would get them to write in a key word or concept that THEY associated with a particular concept. For example:Features of an anticycloneFeatures of a depressionRainfallI then read out what I believed to be the key words and concepts associated with the topic and then Bingo is played. It also enables some detailed discussion to take place after each key word/ concept has been read out.Another reasons why this is such an effective strategy is that it is perfect for diagnostic assessment as it allows the teacher to gauge pupil understanding in a fun, challenging and engaging way. It is a perfect starter or plenary activity as well as being useful for revision.