Simulation Games: One More Tool on the Pedagogical Shelf

This article presents an extensive review of the literature on simulation games for teaching and learning, with a special emphasis on sociology. The key features of simulation gaming are discussed by addressing the following questions: What are simulation games? What are they designed to teach? On what learning theory are they based ? How effective have they been? What are the problems involved in using them? How should they be used properly? What are some popular simulation games relevant to instruction in sociology? This paper is addressed to teachers of sociology who are using simulation games currently, those who wish to return to using them, and those who are interested in using them for the first time. The paper argues that even though simulation games long ago passed their peak of popularity, they are still alive and well and offer instructors of sociology one more tool on the pedagogical shelf.