Describes a nine-week exercise based on Hardin's concept of "the commons" designed to teach college sociology students about the structural constraints on individual decision-making concerning resource use. The theoretical background and simulation set-up of the exercise are discussed. (Author/AM)

Presents three simulations in which participants must make decisions based on a limited number of choices among a defined set of alternatives. Students (1) decide which English convicts will be transported to the colonies; (2) place individuals in one of two retirement homes; and (3) choose which children will help their mother draw up her will.…

Discusses the use of simulations to study complex real-life systems in engineering. Describes some of the limitations of using simulations. Identifies some situations in which computer simulations are practical and useful tools for the design, analysis, and evaluation of systems. (TW)

Discusses (1) the nature of business games (interactive management simulation exercises in which participants choose values that will guide decision making); (2) selecting and using these games in engineering courses; and (3) developing and administering such games. A sample test for a business policy game is included. (JN)

Urges reading teachers to use simulations and provides some examples. (HOD)

The report describes activities and results of the second year of the Special Education Planning Model (SEPM), designed to help planners and policymakers estimate special education program needs and costs. SEPM uses a computer simulation based on users' assumptions and priorities in such areas as incidence rates, handicapping conditions to be…

Discusses the problem of developing a comprehensive self-image to guide policy decisions in institutional management. Six characteristics of the problem are given, together with seven traditional organizational responses. Gaming/simulation is proposed as a solution, and an example of a case study simulation is included. (JJD)

Describes a technique used to teach theories of management: family simulation. Students created and described a family, its environment, and resources and used this scenario for practical applications of management concepts, such as decision making and decision trees. (SK)

Describes a simulation, "Ethics for Administrators," which is designed to help the student understand why he takes certain ethical positions and not others, and to challenge him to identify the systematic elements within his professional ethics. (Author/CK)

Two of the problems associated with games and simulations developed for environmental education (limited player participation and lack of economic relationships) are addressed by outlining a framework within which further game development and evaluation may take place. Four games illustrating the application of this framework are outlined. (BT)

Preparation programs for principals should have excellent academic and performance based components. In examining the nature of performance based principal preparation this report finds that school administration programs must bridge the gap between conceptual learning in the classroom and the requirements of professional practice. A number of…

This study investigated information needs and use by groups in decision-making processes. Problem contexts were varied by conflict, quality, and time conditions and presented to 89 graduate level education students who simulated school board members making decisions about educational programs. The research hypotheses were: (1) there are no…

Presents ten propositions for increasing the likelihood that simulation game participants will learn to make more adequate decisions as a result of game play. (CMV)

A variety of methods to create a simulated environment in which preservice teachers can acquire valuable noninstructional skills is described. (LH)

The authors discuss the use of classroom games to help students prepare for future realities through exploring values and assumptions about the present and the future. They describe several commercial games and suggest that teachers (and students) also design their own games. (MF)