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Designed to improve undergraduate political science instruction, this monograph provides a guide to the design and use of simulations and games in the political science classroom. The book is divided into five chapters that stress the legitimate need and use of simulations and games. Chapter one outlines the background of simulations and games and describes the obstacles, constraints, resources, number of participants, timing, physical layout, and control necessary to make effective use of the materials. Chapter two reviews research on the effectiveness of simulations and games as a teaching method. Chapter three discusses educational objectives and goals of simulations. Emphasis is placed on such objectives as decision making, negotiation and bargaining, legislative structure and process, and systemic models. Chapter four concentrates on how to design and build your own simulation. Chapter five focuses on helpful hints for the implementation and use of simulations in the classroom. The appendices describe four sample simulations that may be useful for potential designeers. An annotated bibliography of simulation references is also included. (DE)

The use of simulation games in the classroom has greatly increased over the past decade. However, little attention has been given to the need for a set of programs -- an instructional model -- that will enable teachers to use these games in a consistent and effective manner. This paper describes such an instructional model and provides a classroom evaluation of the model's application. (Author)

A summer institute was designed to provide 22 certified elementary and secondary social science teachers the opportunity to focus upon concepts and development principles in the methods of learning games and instructional simulation. The 4-week schedule of learning and workshop activities provided a mix of concepts and practice, development and evaluation in these areas: (1) introduction to behavior-based learning systems, systems analysis of simulations and games; (2) positioning simulations and games in a curriculum, the social psychology of simulations and games, modeling learning games; (3) simulation models, analysis, and participation; (4) learning through simulation, educational research on simulation, and developing simulation materials. Major strengths of the program were in its design: (1) the learning environment based on learning objectives, contract programs, competency requirements, and materials; (2) accommodation of diverse interests allowing for individual objectives and implementation; (3) center facilities ideal for materials development, testing, and evaluation, and the well-trained, experienced center staff. Major weaknesses resulted from time limitations. (The 400-page appendix--participant evaluation comments, participant-devised learning games, and institute instruction and orientation materials--is available from Dorothy Dodge, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn.) (JS)

Exercises and activities for incorporating career education into the secondary school curriculum (10-12) are contained in this teacher's manual. Activities are developed for language arts (112), mathematics (32), science (21), social studies (49), related arts/fine arts (61), and guidance (41). An index of titles is included for each subject area. Teaching activities are written in a format which matches specific goals of school subjects with career education concerns (curriculum focus). Career education focus (DELLA Statement), estimated class time, essential resource materials, and the instructional process are outlined for each lesson. The appendix contains the following materials: DELLA Statements (generated for the Career Development Education Model), background in curriculum design, bibliography of suggested materials, interview sheet, list of career clusters, lists of career-related games and simulation, index of publishers/distributors, lists of evaluation instruments, notes on role playing and on brainstorm technique and planning field trips, sample job application form, sample resumes, supplemental resources for guidance, and bibliography of materials dealing with sex bias. (TA)