In an attempt to discover improved classroom teaching methods, a class was turned into a business organization as a way of bringing life to the previously covered lectures and textual materials. The simulated games were an attempt to get people to work toward a common goal with all of the power plays, secret meetings, brainstorming, anger, and…

A close reading of "Improvisations for the Theater" and "I and Thou" will show that there is a common ground linking the games theory of Viola Spolin and the philosophy and religious teachings of Martin Buber. Relation, to Buber, is the direct and immediate response where two people share mutually with one another. It is this…

This study examines the effect on learning of repeated plays of the simulation game "Trade and Develop" (T/D). It also examines the effects of students' ability, using a general measure (determined by school tracking procedures) and a specific measure (achievement test in the specific class). The results of the study indicate that, after playing…

A Rand evaluation of activity and products of gaming, model-building, and simulation carried out under the auspices of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency aimed not only to assess the usefulness of gaming in military-political policymaking, but also to contribute to the definition of common standards and the refinement of objectives for…

Concepts of general systems theory, cybernetics and the like may provide the methodology for communication theory to move from a level of technology to a level of pure science. It was the purpose of this paper to (1) demonstrate the necessity of applying systems theory to the construction of communication theory, (2) review relevant systems…

The contemporary art of simulation is discussed in this short guide. The intent of the authors is to introduce classroom simulation to a more general audience by reviewing the state of the art. Six games from a variety of subjects in secondary school curriculum are described in detail. Of particular utility to the reader is the annotated directory…

Discusses an experiment involving a linear chain of falling dominoes. The time for a chain of N equally spaced dominoes to fall is measured and a plot is made between the time and N. The experimental data are compared with the predictions of theory. (Author/GA)

Discusses the current state of research in experiential learning and looks at its future as a training method for communication skills in business and education. (MH)

Presents model aimed at resolution of discrepancies between group objectives and individual behavior under certain conditions using step-by-step analysis based on game theory. May be applied by administrators or managers to educational, industrial, or bureaucratic situations where these "people problems" are present. (NEC)

A theoretical article which sets out to demonstrate the relevance of concepts derived from contemporary research into skill to a theory of simulation. (Author)

Paper outlines a prototype group discussion game called GRIPS 1 (Gaming, Random Interfacing and Problem Structuring). Antecedents of the game included development and teaching problems related to a multi-disciplinary systemic approach to design problems, a strong interest in pre-problem solving activities (e.g. problem identification, goals…

Three categories of the use of film and television in gaming-simulation are identified. The most typical use, monitoring interaction between participants, demands the greatest departure from conventional film-making practices. Different methods of monitoring this interaction are briefly considered, and potential sources of error resulting from the…