Reflect on Your Practice

In this section, you will reflect on ways that you have conducted simulation activities with your students. Discuss the following questions with your colleagues or reflect on them in your journal. Use specific examples wherever possible.

1. What characteristics make an activity a "historical simulation" and what types of simulations have you done previously with your students?
2. What are the benefits of doing historical simulations?
3. The two biggest drawbacks to using simulations in the classroom are the amount of time they require and the amount of student (and teacher) background preparation that must be done in order to make the simulation successful. What are some strategies and practices you might incorporate to help minimize these drawbacks?
4. How do you assess student learning and results from a simulation activity?