Simulations and Young People: Developmental Issues and Game Development

Abstract

There is a long tradition of educators using simulation/games in their classrooms, bringing these powerful techniques to bear on the learning of people of all ages. This article first describes the age-related developmental issues that typically confront teachers and writers in developing and implementing educational simulation/games. Factors examined include those that are physical, personal and social, language, and cognitive. The paucity of flexible, meaningful published products leads many educators to attempt to develop their own or to modify those available to them. A range of suggestions for those designing and using these activities follows. The second part of this article examines the steps taken in creating a 16-week simulation for 10-and 11-year-olds. These stages of game development can be adapted easily by teachers with quite different needs. The article ends with a source list of excellent games and reference materials.

Keywords

adolescent development affective development child development cognitive development games language development language education physical development science education simulations social development social studies education

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