Instructional Methods/Models
Simulation
This method of instruction is more of an experimental form of instruction. The strategy is student-centered and requires students to be 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. Students experience the reality of the scenario and gather meaning from it.
Pros:
Simulations promote the use of critical and evaluating thinking. Due to being open-ended and ambiguous, they encourage students to contemplate the implications of a scenario. Because the situations feel real, the student engagement increases.
Simulations promote concept attainment through experiential practice. They help the students understand the nuances of a concept.
Cons: Resources and time are required to develop a quality learning experience with simulations. Assessment of student learning through simulation is often more complex than with other methods.
Simulated experiences are more realistic than some other techniques and they can be so engaging and absorbing that students forget the educational purpose of the exercise.
This method of instruction is more of an experimental form of instruction. The strategy is student-centered and requires students to be 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. Students experience the reality of the scenario and gather meaning from it.
Pros:
Simulations promote the use of critical and evaluating thinking. Due to being open-ended and ambiguous, they encourage students to contemplate the implications of a scenario. Because the situations feel real, the student engagement increases.
Simulations promote concept attainment through experiential practice. They help the students understand the nuances of a concept.
Cons: Resources and time are required to develop a quality learning experience with simulations. Assessment of student learning through simulation is often more complex than with other methods.
Simulated experiences are more realistic than some other techniques and they can be so engaging and absorbing that students forget the educational purpose of the exercise.