Author: Mike Steigerwald

“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” Often, the key to developing a winning team is to work to improve the worst player. Many times, a team … Continue →

Have students write their own Propaganda examples for each section. Then, go over them as a group to see if they are good examples of Propaganda techniques. When covering Section … Continue →

Veteran players often know more about a game than the teacher, especially if the latter is new to Academic Games. Instead of feeling insecure, tap into the knowledge students have … Continue →

Most students are drained from competition during the summer months. But there are a few activities that can be done during the summer to keep players’ minds sharp and to … Continue →

The South Carolina baseball team that won the 2011 College World Series had a motto: “Win anyway.” In baseball, the motto refers to overcoming adversities such as injuries, mental and … Continue →

Warm-up questions can be used not only at the beginning of each practice but also as players travel to competition. At the meeting right before leaving for the tournament, distribute … Continue →

Athletes warm up before every practice and game or match. They stretch their muscles to make their bodies limber. Academic Games players can benefit from warm-ups at the beginning of … Continue →

In addition to obtaining scouting reports on opposing players, the coach can also address each player’s strengths/weaknesses from talking to players about the latest round. Listening to a player explain … Continue →

Debriefing players after tournament rounds helps the coach to compile useful lists. For reading games, the coach can learn what Propaganda techniques or Presidents or World Events categories his or … Continue →