A simulation is a form of
experiential learning. Simulations are instructional scenarios where the
learner is placed in a "world" defined by the teacher. They represent
a reality within which students interact. The teacher controls the parameters
of this "world" and uses it to achieve the desired instructional
results. Simulations are in way, a lab experiment where the students themselves
are the test subjects. They experience the reality of the scenario and gather
meaning from it. It is a strategy that fits well with the principles of
constructivism.
Simulations promote the use of
critical and evaluative thinking. The ambiguous or open ended nature of a
simulation encourages students to contemplate the implications of a scenario.
The situation feels real and thus leads to more engaging interaction by
learners. They are motivating activities enjoyed by students of all ages.
Simulations take a number of forms.
They may contain elements of a game, a role-play, or an activity that acts as a
metaphor. The chief element is that they have context. Board games such as
Monopoly or Careers are a type of simulation. The primary distinctions between
a game and a "sim" are the nonlinear nature and the controlled
ambiguity. Students must make decisions within its context. Success is usually
determined by the industry and commitment of the participants. The goal is not
to win but to acquire knowledge and understanding.
Advantages
- Enjoyable, motivating activity
- Element of reality is compatible with principles of constructivism
- Enhances appreciation of the more subtle aspects of a concept/principle
- Promotes critical thinking
Disadvantages
- Preparation time
- Cost can be an issue
- Assessment is more complex than some traditional teaching methods
What is its purpose?
Simulations promote concept
attainment through experiential practice. Simulations are effective at helping
students understand the nuances of a concept or circumstance. Students are
often more deeply involved in simulations than other activities. Since they are
living the activity the opportunity exists for increased engagement.
Issues from Social Studies for
example, such as the management of the environment, politics, community, and
culture can be more deeply appreciated through simulations. Similar to labs in
a science class, the process itself educates the students. The goal of a sim
may be singular or multifaceted. Students might be expected to gain an
understanding of inequity in society while participating in a resource
distribution activity. A class gains an understanding of the Canadian political
system via a mock election campaign. Simulations can reinforce other skills
indirectly. Debating, a method associated with some large scale Sims, is a
skill sharpened within this context. Research skills are often applied to an
activity.
How do I do it?
Guided by a set of parameters,
students undertake to solve problems, adapt to issues arising from their
scenario, and gain an awareness of the unique circumstances that exist within
the confines of the simulation. Some simulations require one day, others may
take weeks to complete. Scope and content varies greatly. This being true,
specific guidelines change with the activity. Several principles however apply
to all.
- Ensure that students understand the procedures before beginning. It improves efficacy if the students can enjoy uninterrupted participation. Frustration can arise with too many uncertainties. This will be counterproductive.
- Try to anticipate questions before they are asked. The pace of some simulations is quick and the sense of reality is best maintained with ready responses. Monitor student progress.
- Know what you wish to accomplish. Many simulations can have more than one instructional goal. Developing a rubric for evaluation is a worthwhile step. If appropriate, students should be made aware of the specific outcomes expected of them.
How can I adapt it?
Simulations can typically be adapted
internally to address the specific circumstances of the students and class
environment. They can also be offered as a replacement for other teaching
strategies thus themselves being an adaptation.
Opportunity for enrichment or
modification exists. A Social Studies resource simulation can be adapted to fit
a unit in Language Arts. The grade 6 and 7 themes of survival can be drawn out
from the need to struggle to obtain limited resources. There are at least 3
ways simulations can be used and internally adapted to classrooms.
- Time - the arc of the activity can be adjusted.
- Content - some simulations offer content more appropriate to specific ages. The election simulation listed in teacher resources, for example, has 3 separate scenarios. Each possesses a similar theme but the content allows the unit to be used from Gr. 5 to 12. See the teacher resource page for details.
- Expectations - Not all students appreciate the subtleties of a concept as well as others. Rubrics can be developed to help the teacher determine the level of success.
Assessment and Evaluation
The nature of simulations means that
experiences are more real than some other techniques. Their drawback can be the
assessment. Teachers must monitor the process to ensure that students both
understand the process and are benefiting from it. For this reason, it is very
helpful to develop a rubric as a guide. Simulations are often best used as part
of the process of learning rather than a summative measure of it. Follow-up
activities may be helpful to establish a measure of comprehension. Some
prepackaged simulations include assessment suggestions. See the resource page
for examples. Listed below are a number of rubrics to use as samples and an
interesting rubric generator.
Teachers may ask themselves a number
of questions to assess the simulation and its apparent success.
- Does this simulation offer an appropriate measure of realism for my group of students?
- Are the desired instructional outcomes well defined?
- Is the level of ambiguity manageable for this group?
- Does the student demonstrate an understanding of his/her role?
- Are problem solving techniques in evidence?
- Does the research being generated match the nature of the problem?
- Is cooperation between participants in evidence?
- Has the student been able to resolve the issue satisfactorily?
- Does the student provide meaningful answers to probing questions?
- Will follow-up activities be necessary?
My Personal view:
I think this games and simulation
teaching strategy will help us to bring real life situation in the classroom as
Simulations
are programs (associated with constructivism) that teach strategies and rules
which are made to apply to real life situations:
·
computer presents simulations of real
·
learning situations
·
makes learner to take decisions
·
shows the effect
of the decisions
·
provides opportunities to interact with
·
the real life situations without danger,
·
expense or difficulty
·
solves simulated real life problems
·
manipulates the elements of the model
·
as the computer provides feedback's
·
invokes learners’ conceptual understanding &
higher order thinking skills
