Instructional Simulation

Simulation is the presenting of an artificial problem, event, situation, or object that duplicates reality, but removes the possibility of inquiry or risk to the individuals involved in the activity. Simulation provides a model of what exists or might exist in a set of complex physical or social interactions. Simulation is a representation of a manageable real event in which the learner is an active participant engaged in learning a behavior or in applying previously acquired skills or knowledge.

Instructional simulations involve the learner in various functions. Provide information to the participants; create situations in which the learner demonstrates some skill or knowledge, since the simulation elicits a response; and assess the performance of the participant by measuring it against an already established standard.

Simulations promote the use of critical and evaluative thinking.

It takes number of forms; elements a game, a role play and activity.

Purpose of using Instructional Simulation:

For instance, if you want to teach students a particular grammar aspect, it is not necessary that you always relent your teaching within the bound of traditional lecturing which is sometimes suffocating for students to capture, rather you could intervene the teaching tactics to another approach that is making them construct the linage for self discovery and self exploration. You can design grammar games whereby students are more motivated to learn. With the basic instructions on what is it all about? How to go about? The goal would not be to win but to acquire knowledge and understanding.

A simple grammar content can be taught in the simplest way promoting concept attainment through experiential practice with all the enthusiastic means of making students back pace with these purposes.

•       It is motivating and realistic.

•       It is learner-centered.

•       It enhances cooperation among peers.

•       It develops higher-cognitive skills of all types.

•       It develops interpersonal and social skills.

•       It promotes psychomotor skills.

•       It promotes multi-faceted skills related to real life.

•       It enhances the development of values and attitudes in children

•       Simulation promotes concept attainment through experiential practice.

Principles of Instructional Simulation:

In Simulation, we become immersed in the activities almost immediately. Games and simulations are great icebreakers for diverse groups of students.

•       Ensure that students understand the procedures before beginning.

•       Try to anticipate questions before they are asked.

•       Know what you wish to accomplish.

Procedural-steps of Instructional Simulation:

Stage1: Establish your objective.

Stage2: Deciding what type of exercise is to be used.

Stage3: Choosing a specific exercise.

Advantages of Instructional Simulation:

A basic reason for using simulations is that mistakes are both inevitable and desirable. It is experiential learning, not a rehearsed event. Participants learn from their mistakes and want the opportunity to improve in the next simulation. The greater the disaster, the greater the learning. The interest is built so immensely that the participants get fully enrolled in learning. Therefore, students are involved efficiently.

•       Enjoyable, motivating activity

•       Element of reality is compatible with principles of constructivism

•       Enhances appreciation of the more subtle aspects of a concept/principle

•       Promotes critical thinking

•       Engages students effectively

•       Reach

Disadvantages of Instructional Simulation:

•       Loss of control in the classroom.

•       You cannot teach using technology unless you know technology.

•       Costing and preparedness in our context.

Instructional simulation is a very clear-cut aspect in the approach of teaching and learning mainly for the participants who wants to learn beyond the learning, what is taught. They create space for their manipulative thinking and accordingly work upon a particular context again and again until they are fully aware of its applicability. And the part of a teacher is to enhance and make students engrossed in the field of learning as a mere guide, facilitator or a mentor. In the teaching backup, simulation is a great guide for the teachers since it reverses the way of teaching from traditional lecturing to a new form of constructing knowledge for the students. And in other hand students are able to learn and discover new form of learning approach which is reliable wholesomely through self exploration, making every lesson motivating, interesting, valuable, etc.