Simulation Research

A proven track record of positive learning outcomes.

Role-play simulations provide a valuable learning experience for students. Review the research below to learn more about ICONS role-play simulations and collaborative learning in education.

The Benefits of Simulations in Learning Environments

Bringing Experiential Learning into the Classroom

  • DeGarmo, Denise. (2006). ICONS and 'Resistant Populations': Assessing the Impact of the International Communication and Negotiation Simulations Project on Student Learning at SIUE. APSA Teaching and Learning Conference. Renaissance Hotel, Washington, D.C. Conference Presentation. Perspectives.
  • Glasgow, Sara M. (2014). Stimulating Learning by Simulating Politics: Teaching Simulation Design in the Undergraduate Context. International Studies Perspectives.
  • Lay, Celeste J. and Kathleen J. Smarick. (2006). Simulating a Senate Office: The Impact on Student Knowledge and Attitudes. Journal of Political Science Education 2:2 131-146.
  • Raby, Rosalind. (2014). Using the International Negotiation Modules Project (INMP) to Build a Learning Community. Building Online Communities in Higher Education Institutions: Creating Collaborative Experience. Edited by Carolyn Stevenson and Joanna Bauer.
  • Shellman, Stephen and Turan, Kursad. (2007). Do Simulations Enhance Student Learning? An Empirical Evaluation of an IR Simulation. Journal of Political Science Education, 2:1, 19-32.

Global Competency and International Relations

  • Asal, Victor and Kratoville, Jayson. (2013). Constructing International Relations Simulations: Examining the Pedagogy of IR Simulations Through a Constructivist Learning Theory Lens. Journal of Political Science Education. 9:2, 132-143.
  • Boyer, Mark A. (2011). Simulation in International Studies. Simulation & Gaming. 42:6, 685-689.
  • Butcher, Charity. (2012). Teaching Foreign Policy Decision-Making Processes Using Role-Playing Simulations: The Case of US-Iranian Relations. International Studies Perspectives, 13:1, 176-194.
  • Kaufman, J.P. (1998). Using Simulation as a Tool to Teach About International Negotiation. International Negotiation 3:1, 59-75.
  • Myers, John. (2012). Developing Global Citizens: Secondary students' experiences with ICONS. New Directions in Social Education Research: The Influence of Technology and Globalization on the Lives of Students. Ed. B. Maguth. Greenwich: Information Age Publishing.
  • Torney-Purta, Judith. (1998). Evaluating Programs Designed to Teach International Content and Negotiation Skills. International Negotiation 3:1, 77-97.
  • Wheeler, Sara. (2006). Role-Playing Games and Simulations for International Issues Courses. Journal of Political Science Education. 2:3, 331-347.

Language Skills Development

  • Angelini, Laura. (2012). Simulation and Gaming in the Development of Production Skills in English. Department of Applied Linguistics, Universitat Politècnica de València. Valencia. PhD Dissertation.
  • Garcia-Carbonell, Amparo and Frances Watts. (2010). The Effectiveness of Telematic Simulation in Languages for Specific Purposes. Linguistic and Didactic Aspects of Language in Business Communication, Universität Hamburg, Ed. T. Bungarten. Hamburg: Universität Hamburg.

Simulation How Tos: Strategies and Advice for Running Simulations in the Classroom

  • Asal, Victor and Elizabeth L. Blake. (2006). Creating Simulations for Political Science Education. Journal of Political Science Education 2:1, 1-18. Taylor and Francis Online.
  • Blum, Andrew and Audrey Scherer. (2007). What Creates Engagement? An Analysis of Student Participation in ICONS Simulations. APSA Teaching and Learning Conference. Charlotte, NC. 9-11 Feb. 2007. Conference Presentation.
  • Vernon, Vavrina. (2006). An Old-Timer's Reflections on IP Simulations. APSA Teaching and Learning Conference. Renaissance Hotel, Washington, D.C. Feb. 2006. Conference Presentation.
  • Wedig, Timothy. (2010). Getting the Most from Classroom Simulations: Strategies for Maximizing Learning Outcomes. PS: Political Science & Politics 43:3, 547-555. American Political Science Association.

Visit our Simulation Stories page to read personal accounts from instructors about ways they incorporated ICONS simulations into their classes.