The State of Simulations Research in the Social Studies: A Call for a Coherent Agenda

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This session is intended to help the social studies research community build a coherent agenda for research into simulations, an area of growing interest to the profession. At present, there is a growing number of scholars inquiring into how social studies simulations impact student learning, understanding, engagement, skill development, efficacy, as well as how teachers use and think about their practice with simulations. The papers in this session will present four snapshots of simulations research in theory and practice that help to address some of the existing gaps in the literature and to highlight some of the challenges facing researchers as the approach the study of simulations. This symposium follows a traditional paper presentation format with ample time for discussion.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Social Studies Research

Chair

• Gregory P Mullin, Bunker Hill Community College

Papers

• Overcoming “the Babel Problem”: Achieving Conceptual Clarity for Future Social Studies Simulations Research - Cory Wright-Maley, St. Mary's University

• Conflict and Political Engagement: A Case Study of a Simulation - Louis M. Ganzler, University of Wisconsin

• Teachers’ Perceptions of the Impact of Historical Simulations on Their Students - Jill M. Gradwell, Buffalo State College - SUNY; Lorrei K. DiCamillo, Canisius College

• Simulating the Negotiations of International Science Advisers: The GlobalEd 2 Project - Scott W. Brown, University of Connecticut; Kimberly A. Lawless, University of Illinois at Chicago

Discussant

• Walter Parker, University of Washington - Seattle