A Computerized Simulation for ESL Composition Students: Building a House

Abstract

This article presents a simulation, the purpose of which is to provide international graduate students of composition an opportunity to practice writing reports of experimental research under relatively stress-free conditions. It is built around a fictitious housing authority that invites bids for architects to design a model housing unit for a new and ambitious project in accordance with a few simple specifications. Participants actually construct a house, using Claris Works software, by duplicating and dragging into place pseudomaterials already provided. This house serves as their plan, which is submitted with their full written report. Briefing and debriefing activities are described, and materials used at each stage of this simulation are presented in the appendices. The pedagogical advantages of student-centered experiential learning, working in pairs, and using this simulation as the subject matter for writing are discussed. The classwork and homework assignments in this simulation provide positive motivation, interest, and an appropriate context for writing. The simulation allows participants to focus their attention on the writing task rather than on the demands of research.