Games are an effective and cost-saving method in education and training. Although much is known about games and learning in general, little is known about what components of these games (i.e., game attributes) influence learning outcomes. The purpose of this article is threefold. First, we review the literature to understand the "state of play" in…

"Approaches and Strategies in Next Generation Science Learning" examines the challenges involved in the development of modern curriculum models, teaching strategies, and assessments in science education in order to prepare future students in the 21st century economies. This comprehensive collection of research brings together science educators,…

Requirements for the games and simulations available in economics education surveyed range from simple equipment to computer facilities. Some attempts at game and simulation evaluation are summarized and criticized in general and in the context of economics education. Comments on the evolving literature on principles of game design are included.…

Describes the Taffs Pit simulation game, which sets up a meeting between acting and production staff within an invented soap opera program with students role playing and critically observing, and then links to general themes of communication analysis. The simulation's design, role playing, and criticisms of the game are discussed. (MBR)

Discussion of difficulties in evaluating simulations and games as teaching techniques includes range of claims made for the techniques; variety available; lack of specificity of technique objectives at design stage; limitations of objective-oriented research; inherent difficulties of comparative evaluation against alternative techniques; and…

The effect of class position on mobility, perceptions, and behavior in society is investigated using a game based on the STARPOWER simulation. Two versions are used, one representing an achievement-oriented society and one a society based on ascription. Results of the games and the value of simulation as a research method are discussed. (LRW)

Analyzed outcomes of using worksheets or simulation games in a high school biology course. Results (based on data obtained from 83 students) showed that students taught by the simulation game method had comparable achievement gains to students taught using worksheets. Differences related to sex are noted and discussed. (JN)

This study discusses the effectiveness of the use of simulations in a social studies classroom. The purposes were to: (1) define a simulation; (2) discuss its origin and underlying educational philosophy that advocates its uses in the classroom; and (3) analyze the current literature available and answer some of the controversial questions posed…

Clarifies appropriateness of certain simulation approaches by distinguishing between different types of simulations--experimental, predictive, evaluative, and educational--on the basis of purpose, assumptions, procedures, and criteria for evaluating. The kinds of questions each type best responds to are discussed. (65 references) (MBR)

Seeks to assist instructors in recognizing two basic errors that can occur in processing student evaluation data on instructional development efforts; offers a research framework for future investigations of the error tendencies and related issues; and suggests ways in which instructors can confront and manage error tendencies in practice. (MBR)

This 10-year literature update of Greenlaw and Wyman's review of teaching effectiveness of collegiate-level business games reviews research on top-management or functionally integrated games and functional games which emphasize specific business operations areas. Conclusions are drawn on business gaming's teaching effectiveness, and observations…

Describes a longitudinal study designed to determine whether a positive correlation exists between the economic performance of college seniors in a business decision-making simulation (The Business Management Laboratory) and business career success 5 years later as measured by salary level, salary improvement, promotions, and job satisfaction.…

Describes a study of secondary school children's perceptions of educational games and simulations to determine correlations between individual personality dimensions (psychoticism, extraversion, neuroticism) and pupils' perceptions of enjoyment and learning. Data were also grouped into personality clusters which were compared with data on…

Describes a study which used a graduate-level business game to examine consequences of objectively determined fit between managers' specialized competence and their functional roles in terms of individual and group performance. The game simulates a work environment of top-level management in industrial firms with responsibility for making…

Asserts that classroom discussions of the fairness of the competitive market economy often deteriorate into polemical arguments. Presents a classroom simulation that enables students, regardless of their initial opinions to experience a variety of factors that influence wealth distribution in a market economy. (CFR)