[Eric]

i would say hangman and scrabble are out but there are other games & activities that are very appropriate for professionals.

When i teach adults i try not to focus on the points too much but a little competition can spice up your class.

One activity I play a lot in my large university classes is... well... i dont have a name for it but i'll explain it anyway. this is an activity to be used as a kind of review & practice of stuff you have already presented.

1. break the class into groups of 3-5
2. give each group (you could call them teams as well) 1 piece of paper and 1 pencil
3. have each team write their team name on the paper. (sounds juvenile but it creates a more fun atmosphere)
4. then ask the entire class questions. each group will work together to write the answer.
5. when a group is finished, they tell you and you check their work. if its correct, give them a point.
6. repeat steps 4 & 5.

variations:
- only allow the groups to speak in english while discussing the answers
- instead of asking questions, say answers and have them write the questions
- if a group's first answer is wrong give half points if they can find the mistake

activities like this wont seem childish, are a lot of fun and allows you to find the areas where the class is struggling.

eric