Two Tools to Save Preparation Time

Two tools to save preparation time

Everybody sometimes needs to save some time. We would like to spend more time with our family, friends or hobbies. But instead, we have to prepare teaching materials or tests.

Many of the tasks the teachers do are repetitive and a computer might do them. But we often miss the ability to make the computer do what we want it to do. And those who can programme usually are not teachers.

I can programme (not much, though) and I am a teacher. So, here I would like to share with you two pieces of code that will allow you create a set of crosswords and a set of revision cards really fast using just the tool you use all the time – Microsoft Word.

What do the Macros Do?

Below you can download two Microsoft Word Macros which you can add to your Word.

The first macro turns a list of words and definitions into four different crosswords. I use the crosswords for testing purposes. Students like solving crosswords I am able to correct all the tests in ten minutes. Thus the students know their results by the end of the lesson and my workload is lessened.

The second macro turns a list of words and their translations into four different tables. These tables serve as a quick way to revise the new vocabulary I want my students to know. They have to write the words into the table, swap the papers and correct their partner’s answers.

How does it work?

First, you need to import the macro into your Microsoft Word. Download the following files

CrosswordTest

Revision Table

Now follow these steps:

  1. Open your Microsoft Office Word.
  2. Click the Developer tab
  3. Click Visual Basic
  4. Right-click Modules (it should be on the left of the screen)
  5. Choose Import File…
  6. Choose the downloaded files

Now type the list of words + their definitions. It should look like this:

car+automóvil
blue+azul


Each word+definition should be on a separate line. The list of words should have at least 15 words.

Then do the following:
1. Click the Developer tab.
2. Click Macros
3. Click CrosswordsTests macro
4. Click Run

It will take some time but after a while the original list of words will change into four crosswords or tables.

How to correct the crosswords really quickly

Each crossword contains one of the following solutions:
UnitedArabEmira
WhatDoesHeLikes
DoesSheLikeItH
EatBetterFoodYo

Look at the solution and where the solution is not correct, there will be a mistake. Check it. Then just quickly scan each test and check the spelling. In this way, I can correct all the crosswords really quickly.

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One Comment

  1. Rob Reid
    I don't seem to be able to access either of the files, could you send me the URL's instead, please. best regards
    01/05/2020 at 8:48 am

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