Instructional Simulations and Learning Domains
Kolbs Experiential Learning Theory
Instructional simulations are a form of experiential learning. Experiential learning takes place when a person is involved in an activity, looks back at it critically , determines what was useful or important to remember, and uses this information to perform another activity.
Researcher and organizational psychologist David Kolb asserts that knowledge results from the interaction between theory and experience. He states that learning takes place in four stages in a cycle that continues the more one learns.
Instructional simulations are a form of experiential learning. Experiential learning takes place when a person is involved in an activity, looks back at it critically , determines what was useful or important to remember, and uses this information to perform another activity.
Researcher and organizational psychologist David Kolb asserts that knowledge results from the interaction between theory and experience. He states that learning takes place in four stages in a cycle that continues the more one learns.
Active Experimentation
With simulations decision-making provides an opportunity for students to experiment actively with the simulated environment. Because there is no real consequences involved participants are able to take greater risks than in the real world.
Concrete Experience
The simulation model provides these by taking the decisions and implementing them to produce results. Obviously, the simulation model is not as complex as the "real world". But, provided the simulation has been designed to meet specific development objectives (rather than just attempt to replicate reality), this simplification is a benefit. It allows the experience to be compressed (months and years into hours). A well-designed simulation simplifies thorough focus. This focus, when appropriate, reduces the uncertainty and ambiguity of the "real world" and so allows the links between decisions and results to be clarified.
Reflective Observation
For simulations this occurs in several ways. First, as teams analyse their results and compare them with their objectives they are forced to discuss and reflect. Another opportunity occurs during the review session where teams and the tutor share their perceptions.
Abstract Conceptialization
Involves the generalization of the knowledge gained and is, perhaps, the most important aspect of the simulation review session. Abstract conceptualization is particularly important for today's workforce. Because today's world is changing so rapidly, because competition is increasing and becoming global, employees must be able to solve "new" problems. In other words, they cannot just apply conventional wisdom and hope that this is right.
Bloom's Taxonomy
Bloom (1956) and more recently Anderson et al (2001) suggest a taxonomy of cognitive learning that represents a hierarchy of learning.
Bloom (1956) and more recently Anderson et al (2001) suggest a taxonomy of cognitive learning that represents a hierarchy of learning.
The role of instructional simulations is to reinforce lower-ordered learning and the strength of instructional simulations is in delivering higher-ordered learning.