In class we watched a movie about a teacher who incorporated a simulation game into the school year. The game was played by 4th graders but even high schoolers could play it. Some students were split up into different groups and those groups were countries. Other students had other jobs like Arms Dealers. The students played the simulation, having to deal with different problems like war or global warming. There was a successful finish to the game. I found that the movie we watched in class was very interesting.
The movie made me remember about a simulation I played in high school. It was in a business class and the game was played throughout the full semester. I would say almost every class period we played the game. The simulation had all the students managing their own business. There was also a banker. There was different roles like a manager, workers, and accountants. We had to learn how to fill out invoices, checks, manage income, know what products are being brought in/coming out and lots more of business stuff. Even though I wasn’t planning on being a business major in college, I found that the class was very helpful. Playing a simulation game like that helped us gain real-world skills like time management, writing checks, managing money, communication, and team work. We also got insight on how businesses are ran which is a good thing to know even if you aren’t in business.
My the games and simulations project for EDU 102, my classmate and I came up with having students build a 3D board game that looks like the game Chutes and Ladders. The students then pick math cards with either addition or subtraction equations on it. If they get the answer right, they move to that spot. If they get it wrong, they have to restart. Even though this game isn’t a simulation, I think it is a great way for students to not only master their math skills but also learn teamwork, communication, honesty, creativity, measuring and listening skills. I think that this game was very fun to come up with and something that I would definitely use in my classroom.
Simulation or board games can be a great way for students to master skills while also having fun. As students play the game, they most likely will forget that they are learning because they are so into the game that they are playing. With games like this there will be a reward or finish line for the students, which will engage the students and hopefully make them want to keep playing the game until they win. This type of learning is really fun while also ver affecting.
