2008 APSA Teaching and Learning Track Summaries—Track Five: Simulations andRole Play I

Extract

The Simulations and Role Play I track examined a broad range of approaches to classroomsimulations and role-playing exercises. The presentations covered designs that operateonline and face-to-face, model decision making at local and international levels, and runfrom only a few minutes to an entire semester. Participants and discussants identifiedseveral elements that are common to successful simulations. These elements includedestablishing clear objectives for a simulation prior to its use in a course, designingsimulations to actively engage students in the learning process, and using simulations todevelop professional skills, empathy, and intercultural understanding among students. Thetrack members agreed that simulations need not be time intensive in preparation orpresentation, but can be flexible and made to fit unique situations. Finally, whilesimulations may not increase student perceptions of the quality of instruction, thesimulations do seem to increase student empathy and student decision-making skills, whichare worthwhile achievements.