In an era when students are used to being in front of screens for a long time, disconnecting and actively engaging with others can be a good thing. Consequently, the English teachers at Prepatec Chihuahua have implemented an innovative teaching strategy that incorporates gamification through the use of board games and materials acquired with the NEHS Professional Support Grant.
In the past, teachers had to use money out of their own pocket to purchase board games, flashcards, mini whiteboards, or other materials for gamification. However, now the English department possesses a variety of board games to use in their lessons. With these materials, designing engaging games and activities has become easier. “Game Fridays,” also affectionately known as “Fri-yay” among Prepatec students, lets them set their textbooks aside—and put their English skills to use.
By incorporating gamification with clear language objectives, students are able to take pride in showcasing their abilities. This fosters their motivation to continue learning and perfecting their target language. As an additional challenge for students, some teachers often collaborate and mix their groups, allowing lower-level students to interact and learn with their higher-level peers, while simultaneously stepping out of their comfort zones. The implementation of this strategy has meant that students work very hard throughout the week knowing that on Friday they will be able to unwind and practice their English skills.
One challenge that has arisen with the implementation of this strategy is that the usual rules and instructions of board games such as Topple, Headbanz, and Pictionary have to be modified to suit the number of students and the topic at hand. However, Prepatec teachers have come up with good solutions and an organized game-plan to overcome this potential setback.
Modifying familiar or popular games is not necessarily a bad thing as it can pique students’ interest and fuel their competitive spirits. Beyond motivating students, this strategy also allows teachers to check their students’ progress, provide feedback, and unleash their creative potential by designing and teaching captivating and interactive lessons.
Overall, thanks to the materials acquired through the NEHS Professional Grant, “Fri-yay” is becoming a highlight of the semester. Teachers are currently experimenting with the available resources to determine which other games can be purchased in the future, aiming to create the unique learning experiences that their students deserve.
Diana Francis Meza holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education at Tecnológico de Monterrey. With nearly 12 years of teaching experience, she serves as a full-time English educator at Prepatec Chihuahua, where she also leads the English department and acts as the NEHS Chapter Advisor for the Chihuahua campus. Her passion for educational technology drives her to develop innovative strategies that aid with second and third-language acquisition, ensuring that learning English is both enjoyable and relevant to her students’ lives. Outside of her academic career, Diana is passionate about traveling, fashion design, sewing, weight training, and caring for her two English bulldogs, Maya and Dante. Looking ahead, she aspires to pursue a PhD in Linguistics abroad and publish in academic journals, contributing to the field of education while continuing her own learning journey.
National English Honor Society
The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.
America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.
As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.
National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.
