Describes a classroom simulation game for public administration courses to help students develop knowledge of the governmental decision-making process. The game increases knowledge of planning, budgeting, strategies for achieving organizational goals, and leadership skills. (Author/AV)

Pro-nuclear power "educational materials" designed or promoted by energy and utility companies lack objectivity about alternative energy resources. A free comic book distributed to public schools in New Mexico and a simulation game supplied to Maryland public schools at the expense of utility customers are described. (SW)

Defines the field of rural geography. Argues that educational games may be used to introduce students to topics in this field. Describes a role playing and decision making game which focuses on the development of control procedures within the rural planning process. (JDH)

An exercise designed to provide students with an opportunity to take responsibility for learning an assigned reading and to share ideas with their colleagues is described. The exercise also provides a safe atmosphere in which to practice communication skills, critical thinking, and decision making. (MLW)

Clarifies appropriateness of certain simulation approaches by distinguishing between different types of simulations--experimental, predictive, evaluative, and educational--on the basis of purpose, assumptions, procedures, and criteria for evaluating. The kinds of questions each type best responds to are discussed. (65 references) (MBR)

Discusses factors contributing to participant reluctance in role playing--isolation of role play from the curriculum; lack of interest because of perceived irrelevance to social psychological themes; and acting anxiety. A two-step design which involves gradual role play introduction and observation by reluctant participants is suggested as a…

Techniques are presented that can help teachers resolve conflicts that arise in the classroom. Strategies are outlined for working out differences among students or between the teachers and a student and for fostering cooperative attitudes among the children. (PP)

Maintains that simulation games in social studies education are successful because they combine factual content, skills development, and experience in decision making. The five simulations described are Explorers I, River City, Boxcars, The Union Divides, and Starpower. (Author/DB)

Reports on a discussion between the editors of "Zielsprache Englisch" and three language teachers from a London language school, regarding games, role-playing, partner and group work, and the use of songs in teaching English. (IFS/WGA)

The article examines the role of simulation games in developing the leadership ability of girls, presents ten guidelines for development of simulation games, and gives an example of a simulation game. (PHR)

Presents a simple exercise to demonstrate how initial property distribution can affect final wealth patterns in developing areas of the world. Employs a variant of the Monopoly board game. Engages students in role playing different members of a market where each faces different rules of credit access and salary patterns. (RLH)

Describes a game used in a graduate course dealing with interviewing skills. When following game rules, students are required to generate hypotheses and to engage in decision making techniques. Indicates student reaction to this exercise is positive. Notes that the activity brings about disinhibition in students while providing them with pertinent…

Explains how to transfer a relevant written article into a learning activity involving active role play. Enables the development of critical thinking skills and helps to humanize science by highlighting its importance in everyday life. (DDR)

Digital or computer games have recently attracted the interest of education researchers and policy-makers for two main reasons: their interactivity, which is said to allow greater agency, and their inherent pleasures, which are linked to increased motivation to learn. However, the relationship between pleasure, agency and motivation in educational…