Jeopardy (Review Game)

Jeopardy is a review game modeled after the TV show. The teacher creates categories with point values (100-500). Students choose a category and point value, see a clue, and must respond with the question (answer in the form of a question). Higher point values are harder.

Jeopardy turns review from a chore into a game. The competitive element, the point values, and the game-show format make students excited to recall information they would normally resist reviewing. The format also builds retrieval practice into a fun package.

Based on the retrieval practice principle and the testing effect. The game format adds motivation, but the learning mechanism is the same: students must retrieve information from memory. The variable reward (different point values) adds an element of risk that increases engagement.

Based on the retrieval practice principle and the testing effect. The game format adds motivation, but the learning mechanism is the same: students must retrieve information from memory. The variable reward (different point values) adds an element of risk that increases engagement.

Use for end-of-unit or end-of-quarter review. Works for any subject with factual content. Best for grades 4-12. Can be played in teams or individually. Great for the day before an exam.

Avoid using Jeopardy for complex problem-solving or open-ended questions. Also avoid if the competition creates anxiety. Don't use it for initial instruction -- it's a review tool, not a teaching tool.

Grades Grade 4 to Grade 12

All subjects

• Highly engaging -- students forget they are reviewing
• Combines retrieval practice with motivation
• Works for any subject with factual content
• Encourages teamwork and discussion
• Easy to differentiate by point level

• Competition can create anxiety or conflict
• Only assesses recall, not deep understanding
• Can favor students who are quick over those who are thorough
• Preparation time for the teacher
• Can be dominated by a few students on each team

• Making questions too easy or too hard
• Letting one student dominate the team
• Focusing on the game more than the learning
• Not debriefing wrong answers
• Using it too often -- novelty wears off

Vary the game format, question types, and team structures to maintain engagement across multiple review sessions.

Enhance with digital tools: use Google Slides for presentations, Jamboard for collaborative brainstorming, or quiz apps like Kahoot for engagement.

Assess through observation of participation, quality of review, and formative checks such as exit tickets or quick writes.

• Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). The Power of Testing Memory. Psychological Science, 7(4), 181-186.