1. The importance of simplicity in simulation design
David Andrew
Educational Development, Queen Mary University of London

2. Historical Background - Simplex
SAGSET (ISAGA) conferences
SIMPLEX – simple structure – complex outcome
A simple role-play simulation – exploring and predicting social phenomena

3. The SIMPLEX game Process Decide scenario Decide and allocate roles
Engage with roles – folded sheet technique
Run
Debrief
Requirements
large group of participants,
time – 3 hours
Large space
The SIMPLEX game

4. Examples
General election
Industrial dispute
Arms limitation talks

5. Evaluation Positive Negative Fun experience Can be overwhelming
Prediction and role base learning
Good facilitator training – the God role
Can be overwhelming
Difficult for novice players
Unpredictable
No intended learning outcomes and therefore evaluation is difficult

6. Health and housing simulation
Variations
Health and housing simulation
Creating a University simulation

7. Context Aims Creating a University
The ADEPT summer school participants, day 2
Historical introduction – video
Context
The generate and discuss ideas about the nature of universities
Foster discussion of different HE systems
Encourage social interaction
Aims
Creating a University

8. Discussion topics The nature of universities Structure and governance
Nature of HE curriculum
Contract between universities and students
Relationship between universities and society

9. The options General, unstructured discussion Discussion in roles
Historical simulation

10. Advantages of simulation
Fun
Simple – the city state
Freedom – no need to be accurate

11. My solution Scenario – loose, non-specific, small city-state
Role of the Duchess
Information and roles
Based on numbers – 2 versions
Selected roles – Mayor, Bishop, Chronicler
Folded sheet exercise
Badges
Timing – about 1 hour from start

12. Interventions Briefing the Duchess, start and before return
Supporting the Mayor
Ensuring mixing – fiesta times
Ensuring information – supporting the Chronicler
Adding external current information,
Riots
Finance
Papal decree

13. Debriefing In role, pairs Out of role, small groups General discussion
Discussion of use of simulations

14. Evaluation It works Enjoyable Teaches about simulations
The cultural question

15. Questions and comments

16. Conclusion – new definition
A role-play simulation is a socially constructed/enacted thought experiment
Thanks to Pat Parslow