How to Execute a Successful Simulation in Your Class
Learn about the ins and outs of applying a successful simulation to your classroom or learning environment.
Mark Zielonka
Publish date:
2024-08-19
A question always talked about in learning is often asked around: How well do class activities work in a learning environment? Typically, these types of questions frequently discuss whether or not these activities successfully teach a set list of desired skills. In the past, educators typically gauged the impact of a learning activity by examining how students performed on a follow-up test or assignment.
Many of the activities we use in class were first created to help students understand theoretical concepts and it's great to see that simulations and experiential learning are becoming more and more popular as a way of teaching these desired skills. This blog’s purpose however is all about shifting the focus of gauging simulation success away from the purely measured theoretical skills learned in class and more towards understanding how simulations can also help the practical, experiential aspect.
Measuring The Success of a Simulation in Class
So, the big question is: How do you use a simulation in this way and then apply it to a classroom? What makes a simulation a success in an educational setting under this mindset? In this post, I'm excited to share three key indicators that show a simulation was a highly effective learning tool in your classroom.
1. Application and Involvement
A successful simulation is all about getting students excited and involved. We want to see students diving in and exploring the possibilities. Simulations are a great way for students to put their knowledge to use in realistic situations. This is something that traditional teaching methods might not be as good at. This hands-on approach is a big change from your traditional teaching methods. In this case it's actually a win-win! Not only does it reinforce the theoretical material being taught, but it also enhances student engagement and participation.
When students are engaged in a simulation, they're more likely to understand the concepts and learn in a way that goes beyond just textbook skills. This kind of active participation shows that the simulation is doing a great job of connecting theory and practice, which makes learning more dynamic and impactful. Upon using simulations, students will be prepared to learn using a method that they will hopefully use again at their future workplace.
Recent research by Alexandru Capatana et al. suggests that: “The use of gamification techniques in corporate training positively affects employees’ knowledge retention and positively affects employees’ job performance”. This type of research suggests that games in learning has a significant impact on attention and application. This is even more supported by the following excerpt as well: “In the US Nearly 70% of students prefer gamified classes and learning experiences over traditional education methods, citing increased motivation and engagements as the primary factors drawing them to gamified learning.”
Link to the following articles:
https://www.zippia.com/advice/gamification-statistics/
2. Collaboration
Another great way to measure how well a simulation is doing is to see how much it gets students working together. Simulations are a great way to help students learn how to work together, communicate, and problem-solve in a fun and engaging way! When students work together to navigate these scenarios, they develop essential teamwork skills and other soft skills that are crucial for success in their future careers. What's more, this kind of process is fun.
A successful simulation is a great chance for students to bounce ideas off each other, hash out solutions, and work together towards a common goal. A collaborative learning environment is a fantastic way to help students get to grips with the subject matter while also preparing them for real-world challenges that require effective teamwork. An effective learning activity lets students work together effectively during a simulation, showing that it's achieving its educational objectives.
3. Questions and Growth
Finally, the last indicator of simulation success is to see students asking questions and growing! It’s always so rewarding to see these kinds of results from simulations! The greatest sign of success in a simulation in my own opinion is to see students curious and asking questions thoughtfully. This kind of interest shows that they're engaging with the material in a critical way. It’s this engagement that sparks amazing, deeper conversations and help students understand the subject and problem-solving way of the real world better. It's the goal to see students grow not just in terms of their knowledge and understanding, but also in terms of their personal growth.
As students tackle the challenges of the simulation, they're able to develop their critical thinking, decision-making, and other soft skills, which are all made so much easier thanks to the engaging nature of the task. Its why using a simulation is not only great at teaching the concepts it's designed to teach, but it's also good at helping students develop skills they can use in their studies and future careers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, executing a successful simulation in your classroom involves more than just assessing the theoretical understanding through your traditional tests and assignments. It requires a shift towards evaluating practical and experiential learning goals. By identifying and prioritizing these mentioned goals, educators can ensure that simulations serve as powerful tools for teaching not only theoretical concepts but also practical skills.
These indicators, as discussed in this blog post, highlight the value of simulations in fostering a deeper, more holistic learning experience for students. As simulations continue to gain popularity in educational settings, embracing this approach will enhance the overall effectiveness of your teaching strategies, ultimately leading to a more engaging and valuable learning experience for your students.