by Mark Harvey (Editor), James Fielder (Editor), Ryan Gibb (Editor)
This
book is premised on the assumption that games and simulations provide
welcome alternatives and supplements to traditional lectures and class
discussions―especially in political science classrooms, where real-world
circumstances provide ideal applications of theory and policy
prescriptions. Implementing such an active learning program, however, is
sometimes daunting to overburdened professors and teaching assistants.
This book addresses the challenges of using games and simulations in the
political science classroom, both online and in person. Each chapter
offers a game or simulation that politics teachers can use to teach
course concepts and explains ways to execute it effectively. In
addition, the authors in this volume make a proactive case for games and
simulations. Each chapter offers research to evaluate the effectiveness
of the activity and pedagogical design best practices. Thus, the book
not only serves as a game design resource, but also offers demonstrable
support for using games and simulations in the political science
classroom. Aimed at teachers at all levels, from high school through
college, the book may be especially appealing to graduate students
entering teaching for the first time and open to new teaching and
learning approaches.
