The authors present a constructivist approach for teaching game theory, on the basis, in part, of Axelrod's research approach. Using the Axelrod tournament multi-user system (ATMUS) software, students create strategies for a repeated prisoner's dilemma (RPD). Later, these strategies are matched with those of their classmates' in a classroom…

The paper's aim is to demonstrate the utility of the well-known Nim game when it is used as a tool in teaching the binary system. A way to increase student comprehension, it also forms a basis for student projects and extracurricular activities on the topic. The paper offers descriptions of two versions of the game and the underlying mathematical…

You have all probably seen the game "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire" on television and have been drawn into the hot seat from your easy chair. Games like this one are popular among the public as entertainment, but they can also be educational. A game developed at the University of Central Florida (UCF) for large (>300) classes is used…

The relationship between the concept and purpose of Paulo Freire's ideas and the instructional techniques of simulation/gaming are discussed. (MW)

GAMES INTEREST THE SOCIOLOGIST BY DEMONSTRATING MOTIVES AND BEHAVIOR THAT OCCUR IN REAL LIFE AND BY FACILITATING LEARNING THROUGH THEIR RULES, REWARDS, AND LOSSES. SOCIAL SIMULATION GAMES EXPLICITLY MIRROR CERTAIN SOCIAL PROCESSES. EXAMPLES ARE (1) THE FAMILY GAME, BETWEEN CHILD AND PARENT AND THE COMMUNITY OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS, (2) THE…

The theory and application of educational games are discussed, with the point being made that little is known for certain about their effectiveness. The game of "Manchester," dealing with the Industrial Revolution in England, is described in some detail, and 25 other games are noted. (LS)

This partially annotated bibliography on simulation and gaming contains over 1,000 citations arranged alphabetically by author's last name. Types of sources included are books, periodical articles, dissertations, and material in the ERIC system. Dates of citations range from 1956-1971 with most in the mid to late 60's. Also included is a list of…

Designed for the student of urban simulation, this paper offers definitions of "models"--conceptual or mathematics formulations of concrete things or of abstract relations between them--and of "simulation"--an act or process, conducted either by persons or devices, by which a model or a hierarchy of models is made to imitate reality. Six basic…

Game theory may be a fruitful basis for educational theory. After describing games and related concepts like "utility," the author sets up examples of how games may be used as a basis for selecting teaching strategies. For instance, a teacher may decide to change many aspects of his teaching style, rather than just one at a time, if there is a…

The heretofore implicit model underlying SIMSOC is made explicit through a comparison of the 1978 and 1972 versions of the simulation game. The more sophisticated 1978 game edition contains improvements over the earlier edition in the options for personal goals. (CMV)

Examines claimed advantages and criticisms of the use of games in the study of social conflict, differentiating the advantages and criticisms into questions of internal validity, external validity, and ecological validity. Available from: Sage Publications, Inc., 275 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90212. (JG)

Presents a theoretical model of collective bargaining based on the premise that the expectations and learning ability of the negotiators play a central role in bargaining. Discusses some implications of the model. Available from: Sage Publications, Inc., 275 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90212. (JG)

Describes in detail communication games used with student teachers to make them more able and sensitive in classroom settings. (JA)

Simulation games are currently being used to teach high school students how to forecast the weather. The students are cast in the roles of forecasters given meteorological information to predict the weather and, in addition, how it will affect the lifestyles of a particular area. (DS)