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One Style and Size does not Fit all: How to Develop a Constitutional Convention Simulation
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One Style and Size Does Not Fit All: How to Develop a
Constitutional Convention Simulation That Fits Your Needs
Dr. Paula L. O'Loughlin
Associate Professor of Political Science
University of Minnesota, Morris
Ms. Angela L Bos
Visiting Instructor of Political Science
University of Minnesota, Morris
Dr. Chris Anderson
Assistant Professor of Political Science
University of Hartford
ABSTRACT:
While many political scientists use role-playing simulations in their teaching, there are others who are intrigued at the idea of such exercises but are reluctant to incorporate them. The reasons given for this vary, but are generally summarized as a sense that simulations would not work with their type of classes, student profile, course content or pedagogical style. The underlying assumptions here are two-fold: first, that all simulation exercises on the same topics (even basic ones like a mock constitutional convention) should work the same, and second, that they only work well with certain kinds of courses, teachers, students, etc. We contest both these assumptions. We argue that role-playing exercises should not be considered one size and style fits all. With a little reflective assessment of their course context, students and pedagogical goals, political scientists can develop simulations which work for their own circumstances. We present narrative descriptions of three very successful and different approaches to a constitutional convention simulation as cases. These cases support our case that attention to several key questions should enable just about anyone to adapt or create a simulation to fit their own pedagogical needs.
Presentation for Simulations and Role Playing Track II at 2006 APSA Teaching and Learning Conference, Washington DC.
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| | Authors: O'Loughlin, Paula. and Bos, Angela. |
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One Style and Size Does Not Fit All: How to Develop a
Constitutional Convention Simulation That Fits Your Needs
Dr. Paula L. O'Loughlin
Associate Professor of Political Science
University of Minnesota, Morris
Ms. Angela L Bos
Visiting Instructor of Political Science
University of Minnesota, Morris
Dr. Chris Anderson
Assistant Professor of Political Science
University of Hartford
ABSTRACT:
While many political scientists use role-playing simulations in their teaching, there are others
who are intrigued at the idea of such exercises but are reluctant to incorporate them. The reasons
given for this vary, but are generally summarized as a sense that simulations would not work
with their type of classes, student profile, course content or pedagogical style. The underlying
assumptions here are two-fold: first, that all simulation exercises on the same topics (even basic
ones like a mock constitutional convention) should work the same, and second, that they only
work well with certain kinds of courses, teachers, students, etc. We contest both these
assumptions. We argue that role-playing exercises should not be considered one size and style
fits all. With a little reflective assessment of their course context, students and pedagogical
goals, political scientists can develop simulations which work for their own circumstances. We
present narrative descriptions of three very successful and different approaches to a
constitutional convention simulation as cases. These cases support our case that attention to
several key questions should enable just about anyone to adapt or create a simulation to fit their
own pedagogical needs.
Presentation for Simulations and Role Playing Track II at 2006 APSA Teaching and Learning
Conference, Washington DC.
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