This study applies the learning curve method of measuring learning to participants of a computer-assisted business gaming simulation that includes a multiple-life-cycle feature. The study involved 249 participants. It verified the workability of the feature and estimated the participants' rate of learning at 17.4% for every doubling of experience.…

This article introduces some basic concepts of a systemic-constructivist perspective. These show that gaming simulation corresponds closely to a systemic-constructivist approach to learning and instruction. Some quality aspects of facilitating and debriefing simulation games are described from a systemic-constructivist point of view. Finally, a…

One of the goals of game designers is to design for an engaging experience and for social interaction. The question is how. We know that games can be engaging and allow for social interaction, but how do we achieve this or even improve on it? This article provides an overview of several scientific approaches that deal with this question. It…

After years at the periphery of the social sciences, simulation is now emerging as an important and widely used tool for understanding social phenomena. Through simulation, researchers can identify causal effects, specify critical parameter estimates, and clarify the state of the art with respect to what is understood about how processes evolve…

The serious games community is moving toward research focusing on direct comparisons between learning outcomes of serious games and those of more traditional training methods. Such comparisons are difficult, however, due to the lack of a consistent taxonomy of game attributes for serious games. Without a clear understanding of what truly…

This article examines the state of assessment in simulation and gaming over the past 40 years. While assessment has come slowly to many disciplines, members of the simulation and gaming community have been assessing the educational effectiveness of their experiential activities for years, in part because of skepticism from more traditional…

Simulations currently play a key role in facilitating competency training for incident commanders of the emergency services. The article briefly reviews current practice in incident command training and considers the effectiveness of simulation usage and practice for crisis management more generally.

Discussion of computer-based simulations for business focuses on adding transparency through system dynamics techniques. Describes an experiment that evaluated the relevance and the effects of providing structural transparency to users of business simulators and suggests further research. (Contains 51 references.) (LRW)

Discussion of instructional research on simulation focuses on problems with validation research methodology. Discusses simulation fidelity and verification and reviews various concepts employed in the literature of simulation evaluation and integrates them into a coherent framework from which the evaluative process may proceed in a more systematic…

Although transformational training involving simulations, games, experiential exercises, and educational programs can have dramatic impact on individuals, it often eludes assessment through conventional measurement methods. This article presents results from two training settings evaluated with an holistic projective differential technique…

Reviews the formal process of simulation and game activity as it interacts with formal and informal organizational variables; considers the impact of organizational variables and informal interactions in the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of simulation and game activity; and identifies categories of criticism: internal, external,…

Describes the advantages of simulations over real-life tasks in courses in instructional materials development. Explains how to develop a simulation, including setting objectives, considering learning and gaming principles, and evaluation; and discusses simulation as an experiential approach that is cost effective. (Contains 45 references.) (LRW)

Reviews the literature on debriefing and identifies the essential elements and phases of the debriefing process. A model for systematic assessment of debriefing is presented which consists of five sets of questions that focus on learning objectives, situational constraints, the debriefing strategy, implementation of the strategy, and the…

Suggests the use of written debriefing, in addition to oral debriefing, to improve learning through simulations. Discusses journal writing; the written concept technique; letters; written answers; guidelines for writing; and the evaluation of written debriefing. (LRW)

Describes results of a study of business school students that investigated the link between the ability of business simulation team participants to forecast financial and/or market-related outcomes and the actual results of their decision making. Profitability and forecasting errors are discussed, and implications for designing business…