Presents a model based on work by Schultz von Thun that helps to explain how to avoid misunderstandings in interpersonal communication. The model is then applied to interpersonal interactions in educational games, simulations, and workshops, and the insights it provides into how unnecessary and unintentional conflict may be avoided are discussed.…

Reviews the problems of classifying gaming techniques and suggests a heuristic approach as one solution. Definitions of simulation, models, role, and game and play are discussed to help develop a classification based on a technique called gaming simulation. (Author/LRW)

Describes three case studies of the Huntington II POLUT model, which was run on both the University of Waikato computer system and a bank of four TRS-80s. Prospects for the development of computer based environmental education in New Zealand are also discussed. (LLS)

Discusses learning systems and learning difficulties, and describes the use of a simulation to help professionals better understand people with learning difficulties. The General Systems Theory and a systems approach are discussed, the role of debriefing is considered, and theoretical perspectives on the development of learning disabilities are…

Develops models for participants' behaviors in games, simulations, and workshops based on Catastrophe Theory and Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation. Examples are given of how these models can be used, both for describing and understanding the behaviors of individuals, and for eliciting insights into why participants behave as they do. (11…

This replication of a comparison of student perceptions and attitudes toward learning from case studies and from management simulations found that students perceive the simulation exercise to be superior to case study discussions for learning skills in the business policy course. Because these results contradict the findings of the original study,…

Describes the methodology adopted in the creation of one of a variety of games created for use in specific business courses at Leeds Polytechnic Business School (England), including constraints under which it was constructed, its initial implementation, and its established use. The game focused on pricing decisions in a retail establishment. (MBR)

Describes the Grampion Primary Industry Project, a curriculum development project which used games, role playing, and simulation to teach students from kindergarten through grade seven about the business world. Outcomes showed the project succeeded in achieving objectives all across the primary curriculum. Specific games are described. (three…

Presents theoretical perspectives of change of Benne, Chin, Lewin, and Rogers, and draws out strategies that designers of games, simulations, and workshops may find useful. Highlights include rational/empirical, normative/re-educative, and power/coercive strategies; Lewin's force-field model; and Rogers' stage model. (MBR)

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…

A test of predicted anxiety which focused on public speaking was given before and after two life skills courses in an English college. The students' own reports and observations by the author supported the results, which indicated a reduction of anxiety in the course which used simulations. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study of novice and advanced preservice teachers that explored the effect of a computer simulation on decision-making training for planning lessons. Treatments of the experimental and control groups are described, results of pretests and posttests are analyzed, and further research is suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Discusses the nature and sequencing of decisions involved in designing a game, simulation, or workshop from the theoretical perspective of course and curriculum design. A model for design is presented that incorporates objectives, teaching/learning methods, content, and assessment/evaluation, and other models are also discussed. (Author/LRW)