The work of Crocco and her colleagues, "Deliberating Public Policy Issues with Adolescents," combines two important fields--deliberative democracy and discussion as a pedagogy--with a study of policy deliberations in three classrooms. Their article yields valuable insights. As the authors note, the results are disappointing. This may be…

In this year-long qualitative study we explore the case of two eighth grade U.S. History teachers who use simulations on a regular basis to teach heterogeneously-grouped students in a high-stakes testing environment. We describe the purposes the teachers espoused for implementing simulations and provide detailed portraits of three types of…

We argue that power roles can make a significant difference in how students experience in-class simulations. To test this, students who participated in Congressional simulations in one of the author's introduction to American politics classes were surveyed concerning their views of Congress, the legislative process, and the simulation experience.…

Meaningful role plays have three phases: warm-up, which creates an environment that fosters interaction and overcomes resistance; action, during which protagonists and auxiliaries are chosen and the action is periodically frozen for reflection and feedback; and closure, to reinforce learning and plan its integration into job performance. (SK)

Describes a role-playing activity designed to show how the United States began its involvement in Vietnam. Provides sample handouts assigning students to support either the French or Vietnamese side of a debate. The teacher assumes the role of President Truman who must decide which side will receive U.S. support. (GEA)

The innovative technology of simulations and games offers an attractive alternative for satellite transmission programing. They can help provide programs that involve the participants and make maximum use of the unique characteristics of long-distance transmission. (Author/JEG)

Describes several strategies designed to increase audience participation in role play and simulation activities in the foreign language classroom, including audience feedback, role switching, voting, instant replay, cultural discussion, audience direction, press conference, and class soap opera. These strategies make the role play more productive…

Explores the benefits and hazards of staging simulated news incidents in the classroom to teach journalism students the need to maintain a professional stance at all times. (HTH)

Argues that fictitious roles and situations, particularly if too far removed from the students' experiences, contribute to the failure of role-playing activities as a teaching technique in second language classes. Offers an alternative view of role-taking and eight principles to guide teachers in their selection and adaptation of role-play…

A unique theatrical presentation, "Miss Margarida's Way," reveals some interesting characteristics of its audience when it casts them back into a classroom situation. (LH)

This article discusses the value of using fantasy and role playing games (FRPG) in the curriculum of gifted students. It lists ways that FRPG can supplement 26 academic subjects and develop 24 learning skills. Objections from religious groups to use of the games are addressed. Different types of games are compared. (CR)

The advantages and disadvantages of simulations in consumer education are summarized and guidelines presented to teachers on developing their own games. Four specific game topics are suggested. (SJL)

Describes exercises that can uncover the assumptions underlying educational practice: (1) scenario analysis; (2) critical debate; (3) simulations of crisis decisions; (4) identifying heroes and villains; and (5) analysis of critical incidents. (SK)

Explains why simulation is a particularly useful teaching device in areas in which it is important to tie together cognitive skills and motor skills into total performance. Discusses the many forms simulation can take in soft skills training and how simulations can shape perspectives. (CT)

Role playing differs from the more static teaching technique of simulation in its incorporation of originality and theatricality. From preparation to presentation, it is important to retain the element of play, avoid techniques of or tendencies toward psychodrama, and hold the pedagogical or evaluative purposes in mind. (MSE)