Simulations, Drama, Role-Playing, Games

ByLaurel Widman, Darsie

Bonillo, Tiffany Lee, Kerry Hennessy

Simulation games

• Structured decision making activities in which students assume roles and solve problems.

Elements of a Simulation Game

• A problem scenario based on some model of the real world.

• Role-playing• In-role decision making• Rules that limit how roles are played• Consequences from the decisions • Some element of chance involved

5 Stages of a Simulation

• Stage 1: Initiation and Direction• Stage 2: Describing the Context• Stage 3: Roles• Stage 4: Enactment• Stage 5: Debriefing• Essential to any teaching plan is how to

prepare the simulation and the techniques to run the simulation, how to chart the results, and how to reflect on what took place.

Simulation Lesson Plan Format

• Title of Simulation• Topic• Objective• Materials• Preparation• Procedure• For Discussion (where applicable)• Background• Follow-up (where applicable)• Shara’s handwriting slide

Advantages

• Promotes community decision making• Highly motivating• Provides application of knowledge and

skills• Effective for creating positive attitudes• Make past events come alive• Removes most dangerous/irrelevant

elements

Disadvantages

• Shortage of time• Shortage of computers and supplies• The majority of pre-written simulations

are for grades 4 through 12• School atmosphere may not be

conducive• Many pre-written simulations are for a

specific event in history

Role of Technology

• Can be an important part of simulations but simulations can also be effective without technology

• Technological simulations may not promote whole class collaboration

Questions to Research

• Assessment of simulations• Effective ways to debrief

The End