Simulation as a Teaching Strategy

What is a Simulation?

Experiential learning such as simulation has been promoted as a means to challenge student's misconceptions (McClintock, 2000). Experiential learning encourages higher-order learning, which promotes critical thinking abilities and self-directed learning (Kreber, 2001). Hakeem (2001) found that students involved in experiential learning have a greater understanding of their subject matter than students in a traditional lecture-only class. Rocha (2000) reported that students enrolled in classes where experiential learning methods are used perceived themselves as more competent practitioners than students in classes without these methods. One form of experiential learning used in educational and community settings is simulations, engaging an audience in active learning where participants learn from each other, not just from the “sage on the stage” (Dorn, 1989). In business-related classes, simulations have been used to model international trade (Truscott, Rustogi, &Young, 2000) and the development of business enterprises (Goosen, Jensen, & Wells, 2001). In family life education, they have been used to illustrate divorced and remarried families (Crosbie-Burnett & Eisen, 1992) and interactions between partners (Osmond, 1979). Social science courses studying institutions and individuals have simulated life in mental hospitals (Claiborn & Lemberg, 1974), and in prison (Haney, Banks, & Zimbardo, 1973). For teaching about poverty, Jessup (2001) maintains that: “Simulations are also more effective than conventional teaching methods at emphasizing abstract concepts over factual information, engendering empathy, and serving as a reference for ongoing discussions regarding social inequality” (p.103).

Implementation

Three elements are necessary for effective simulations; preparation, active student participation, and post-simulation debrief.

Preparation: Although instructional simulations can be very effective in encouraging student’s engagement, many simulations require intensive pre-simulation lesson preparation. Preparation varies with the type and complexity of the simulation. Most simulation creators suggest that simulations are best when:
1. Simulations are tied to the course goals.
2. Facilitators read ALL the supporting material for the simulation.
3. Facilitators do a trial run or participate in the simulation before assigning the simulation to students, when possible.
4. Facilitators make sure that university facilities support the simulation when facilities are needed.
5. Instructors integrate instructional simulations with other pedagogies such as cooperative learning.
6. Instructors should anticipate ways the simulation can go wrong and include this in their pre-simulation discussion with the class.
Active Student Participation: Effective learning comes through simulations when students are actively engaged.
1. Students should predict and explain the outcome they expect the simulation to generate.
2. Every effort should be made to make it difficult for students to become passive during the simulation. Every student must assume a role that they may or may not know before the simulation. Often it is not known until the simulation.
Post-Simulation Debrief: Post-simulation discussion with students leads to deeper learning. The instructor should:
1. Provide sufficient time for students to reflect on and discuss what they learned from the simulation.
2. Prepare question to ask during the debrief to ensure students see alignment between the simulation and the course goals.

Although this Teaching Tool describes face-to-face simulation, this may not always be possible. The following online simulations may be helpful.

Business simulations (for pay online):
Climate, Weather, Atmosphere:
Physics, Math, Chemistry, and Biology Simulations:
A refugee experience:
A poverty simulation: ;

Frequently Asked Questions

For an informative questions and answers video go to… (University of Waterloo)

What is the difference between a simulation and a game? Case study?

A game is an activity where students are active and someone is winning or losing to demonstrate a viewpoint. Simulations are more involved, involving taking on a role and trying to solve a problem or work through an event. In a case study, you look inside and outside—no roles are given. Part of the goal of a simulation is to put students in a situation where they are actively involved.

Why are simulations a preference over traditional, transmission-type/lecture approaches to teaching?

Simulations are a preference as they help students understand (by experience) the time and decision-based conditions in a way a lecture can only mention. Also, “group think” can be taught but not deeply understood until one experiences it. The experience of simulation can increase long-term retention and memory of material.

How do you prepare students for simulations?

In some cases, you do not, but in other cases you do. It all depends if by telling them, it will affect their performance. The discussion should be after. By preparing students it may lessen the reaction. In other cases, you may want them to know basic expectations-take on a role, actively engage, fill out forms as you go?

Where do you get questions for your simulation debrief?

The questions for must address the purpose of the simulation and be aligned to your course objectives. Examples include: “What happened?”, “Was this easy or difficult”, “What would happen if?”, “How can this be applied?”, “How it helped them understand the course goals”, or “How it may have made the goals more confusing.” Encourage members of the community who have actually encountered the real-life events of the simulation to comment during the debrief.

Do simulations ever go awry?

Yes, when they do, you have to reign them in. Students can get carried away or are not prepared. Try to anticipate some challenges and guide students back if they have gotten away from a particular learning objective. Don’t be afraid to pick your best students to play a particular role to help the simulation go as planned; but remember that often, even the best students do not step up and play the role.

What happens if students do not prefer experiential learning?

This happens occasionally. You must have a point to the simulation. You can share something you observed or experienced related to reluctant participants. During the debrief, it is important to explain the purpose of the simulation and the expectations. Students enjoy the interaction and the majority of students see that this is a very effective way of learning.

Can simulations work in any courses?

Simulations can work in many subjects: economics, physics, chemistry, mathematics, nursing, political science, and education. There are resources listed below by content areas but do not hesitate to contact the CTL if you are interested and have questions.

What is the ideal number of persons for a simulation?

The size of the simulation depends on the type of simulation. For example, a poverty simulation may work with between 40-88 persons. It is important to know the number of persons participating before the simulation to ensure all roles are covered.

References for Subject-Specific Simulations

Agriculture

Arellano, F., S. Hine, and D.D. Thilmany. (2001). Using MANECSIM As a Simulation for Agribusiness Capstone Courses. Review of Agricultural Economics, 23(1), 275 - 285.

Business

Baird, K.E. (2005). Player Markets, Profits, and Competitive Balance: A Classroom Simulation Exercise. Journal of Sports Economics, 6(3), 331 - 334.

Bodo, P. (2002). In-Class Simulations of the Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma Game. Journal of Economic Education, 33(3), 207 - 216.

Costin, Y., O'Brien, M. P., & Slattery, D. M. (2018). Using simulation to develop entrepreneurial skills and mind-set: an exploratory case study.

Craft, R.K. (2003). Using Spreadsheets to Conduct Monte Carlo Experiments for Teaching Introductory Econometrics. Southern Economic Journal, 69(3), 726-735.

Gilbert, J., and R. Oladi. (2007). Simulating Tariffs vs. Quotas with Domestic Monopoly. Journal of Industrial Organization Education, 2(1).

Woltjer, G.B. (2005). Decisions and Macroeconomics: Development and Implementation of a Simulation Game. Journal of Economic Education, 36(2), 139 - 144.

General

Bransford, J.D., A.L. Brown, and R.R. Cocking, eds. (2000). How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience and School. National Academies Press.

Bruno, A., & Dell’Aversana, G. (2018). Reflective practicum in higher education: the influence of the learning environment on the quality of learning. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 43(3), 345-358.

Claiborn, W. L., & Lemberg, H. W. (1974). A simulated mental hospital as an undergraduate teaching device. Teaching of Psychology, 1, 38-40.

Hertel, J.P., and B.J. Millis. (2002). Using Simulations to Promote Learning in Higher Education. Stylus Publishing, LLC.

Kaufman, D., and L. Sauve. (2010). Educational Gameplay and Simulation Environments: Case Studies and Lessons Learned. Information Science Publishing.

Lean, J., M. Moizer, and C.A. Towler. (2006). Active Learning in Higher Education. Journal of Simulation and Games, 7(3), 227-242

McHaney, R., D. White, and G. E. Heilman (2002). Simulation Project Success and Failure: Survey Findings. Simulation and Gaming, 33(1), 49-66.

Ruben, B. (1999). Simulations, games, and experience-based learning: The quest for a new paradigm for teaching and learning. Simulation & Gaming, 30, 498-505.

Nursing

Cant RP, Cooper SJ. Simulation-based learning in nurse education: systematic review. J Adv Nurs. 2010;66(1):3–15.

Durham CF, Alden KR. Enhancing patient safety in nursing education through patient simulation. In: Hughes RG, ed. Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2008:221–260.

McGuire, K., & Lorenz, R. (2018). Effect of Simulation on Learner Stress as Measured by Cortisol: An Integrative Review. Nurse educator, 43(1), 45-49.

Political Science

Fair, R.C. (2002). Predicting Presidential Elections and Other Things. Stanford Economics and Finance.

Lane, R. E. (2001). Self-reliance and empathy: The enemies of poverty – and of the poor. Political Psychology, 22, 473-492.

Poverty

Goelman Rice, A., McCall, L. A., & Ogden, J. E. (2017). The Poverty Simulation: Increasing Teacher Sensitivity for Students Living in Poverty. National Youth-At-Risk Journal, 2(2). ;

Prison Studies

Haney, C., Banks, C., & Zimbardo, P. (1973). Interpersonal dynamics in a simulated prison. International Journal of Criminology and Penology, 1, 69-97.

Social Work, Psychology, & Sociology

Claiborn, W. L., & Lemberg, H. W. (1974). A simulated mental hospital as an undergraduate teaching device. Teaching of Psychology, 1, 38-40.

Crosbie-Burnett, M., & Eisen, M.. (1992). Simulated divorced and remarried families: An experiential teaching technique. Family Relations, 41, 54-58.

Jessup, M. M. (2001). Sociopoly: Life on the boardwalk. Teaching Sociology, 29, 102-109.

Seccombe, K. (1999). “So, you think I drive a Cadillac?” Welfare recipients’ perspectives on the system and its reform. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon

Sports

Einolf, K.W. (2005). EconFantasy.com: Where Fantasy Becomes Reality in an Economics-of-Sports Simulation. Journal of Sports Economics, 6(3), 338 - 339.

References

Dorn, D. (1989). Simulation games: One more tool on the pedagogical shelf. Teaching Sociology, 17, 10-18.

Goosen, K. R., Jensen, R., & Wells, R. (2001). Purpose and learning benefits of simulations: A design and development perspective. Simulation & Gaming, 32, 21-39.

Hakeem, S. A. (2001). Effect of experiential learning in business statistics. Journal of Education for Business, 77, 95-98.

Kreber, C. (2001). Learning experientially through case studies? A conceptual analysis. Teaching in Higher Education, 6, 217- 228.

McClintock, C. (2000). Creating communities of practice for experiential learning in policy studies. In P. A. Ralston, R. M. Lerner, A. K. Mullis, C. B. Simerly, & J. B. Murray (Eds.),

Social change, public policy, and community collaborations (pp. 33-52). Boston: Kluwer.

Osmond, M. W. (1979). The use of simulation games in teaching family sociology. The Family Coordinator, 28, 205-216.

Rocha, C. (2000). Evaluating experiential teaching methods in a policy practice course: The case for service learning to increase political participation. Journal of Social Work Education, 36, 53-63.

Truscott, M. H., Rustogi, H., & Young, C. B. (2000). Enhancing the macroeconomics course: An experiential learning approach. Journal of Economic Education, 31, 60-65.

Cite this resource: Caniglia. J. (2019). Simulations as a Teaching Strategy. 91�ֿ� Center for Teaching and Learning. Retrieved [insert today’s date] from /ctl/simulation-teaching-strategy

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