Achievements, limitations, and difficulties of social science simulation efforts are discussed with particular reference to three examples. The pedagogical use of complementary developmental, philosophical, mathematical, and scientific approaches is advocated to minimize potential abuses of social simulation research. (LS)

The aim of a teacher is to guide a student or group of students to observe, do, and discover what is essential in the curriculum's content, and to create a comfortable context and emotional state for learning. This paper puts forward the theoretical underpinning and central aspects of the development and application of the orientation assistant…

The subjects using either the consensus model or the participative decisionmaking model had more correct decisions on the assigned task than did the same individuals deciding alone. (Author)

"Reciprocity," a social simulation game based on exchange theory, was developed by the author to study the dynamics of power relationships in the context of marriage and the family. The simulation can be manipulated to test specific aspects of three major exchange formulations: Blau's social exchange formulation; Emerson's…

This pilot simulation study examines the important methodological problems involved in costing educational wastage, focusing specifically on the cost implications of educational wastage in primary education. Purpose of the study is to provide a clearer picture of the underlying rationale and interrelated consequences of reducing educational…

Any effort to change a complex social system should begin by constructing models and simulations of the problem and its social context. These will increase the likelihood of long-term success, decrease the chance of unexpected negative side effects, and help conserve scarce national resources. Models may be of three types: (1) prose models--which…

Suggestions and examples for using role playing and simulation in college history classes that are easily adaptable to elementary and secondary education. (JR)

Discussion about a simulation of the political system of Argentina designed and participated in by students in a Latin American politics course at the University of Delaware. (Author/ND)

A simulation for the classroom consisting of three elections. This article presents its objectives, participants, duties of participants, how to prepare voter profile cards, sample subjects for voter profiles, how to play the game, and follow-up activities. See SO 504 023 for address of journal. (ND)

Describes, giving examples, the use of a Socratic game in which a law class is assigned a case to read and in class one student is asked to make argument for the plaintiff, a second to explain the defendent's position, a third to give a judicial ruling with reasons. (JT)

This paper attempted to provide evidence that the new and beginning teacher of today not only need not, but should not emulate any one person; rather, he will be a well-prepared individual "teaching personality" capable of challenging any fault-finding critic. (Author/RK)

Based on an experimental classroom situation, a simulation and its results in thought control or brainwashing was conducted in teaching about comparative governments. (JR)

Durable aspects of the High School Geography Project (HSGP) are identified. For example, HSGP teaching approaches are usable in all kinds of geography and mass education courses. Present and future trends in high school geography courses are described. (DE)