32 Puzzle-Producing
David Lott
Learning Objectives
Using free online puzzle-maker software, students collaborate in small groups to produce their own word puzzles in the same format learned in Part 1 and with a specific set of academic vocabulary words assigned by the instructor. Each small student group then swaps its self-generated, unsolved puzzle for another group, and each group works on its own to solve the new puzzle it has received.
Purpose/Rationale
Instructions
First, in small groups, students use the AWL and dictionary to come up with definitions for the academic vocabulary words they have been given. Second, each group of students inserts the words and definitions into the online software to generate a new word puzzle. Third, students submit their newly constructed puzzles to the teacher for a quality control check — subpar puzzles will need to be redone by the group. Fourth, each group trades its completed, unsolved puzzle for another groups, so all groups have a fresh new puzzle to solve. Fifth, the create-and-solve process can be repeated if time allows. It should also be noted that the online puzzle maker software can be introduced to students at an MC library or digital learning lab or other support center equipped with computers so that students are introduced to one of these centers while at the same time creating their own puzzles.
Format Requirements
Similar to #7 above, each word puzzle has its own design format that students need to learn at first (e.g basic crossword puzzle format), and the software requires students to learn a rudimentary format for inputting information (e.g. inserting the academic vocabulary words and their definitions).
Rubric/Criteria
As in #8 above, each word puzzle (whether created or solved) counts as an in-class exercise, with the in-class exercise category as a whole allotted a portion of the overall final grade as detailed in the syllabus. Also, students will be made aware that the academic vocabulary words they have defined in the puzzles will also show up on vocabulary quizzes throughout the semester, so those words will in effect be included as part of the course’s overall quiz grade, also specified as an assignment category in the syllabus.
