World Leaders in the Local Classroom: Using Simulations to Promote Global Competence in Middle School

• In Event: Games, Simulations, and Gamified Environments

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a simulation of political and economic development on middle school students’ motivation for social studies, their intrinsic interest in simulations, and their knowledge of global competence. Using a one-group pretest-posttest design, twenty-six (n = 26) students experienced making economic and political decisions as leaders of a simulated country in an online world. In total, participants used the simulation for eight two-hour sessions. The results revealed a significant positive change in participants’ understanding of global competence, as well as their intrinsic motivation for the social-studies themed simulation. However, participants’ motivation for the domain of social studies did not change. Implications for educators and designers are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.

Authors

• Seungoh Paek, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Daniel L. Hoffman, Kamehameha Schools

• Helen O. Au, University of Hawaii at Manaoa