CHAPTER 21
 
I think you have brought up a very good point about
simulations being conceived as a game when its purpose
can also be to train and in training, learn from your
mistakes and your victories. This is difficult as kids
are familiar with simulations from the video games they
are exposed to and bring this with them to the
classroom. As the author states, the teacher very much
needs to play an important role (facilitator)if
simulations are to be a successful, effective model of
teaching. The four roles the teacher needs to play as
set out by the author are: explaining, refereeing,
coaching, and discussing. The last role is to make sure
that the students understand that the simulation they
just experienced is a representation of the real world.
They should then be allowed time to discuss what they
learned and share with the class some of their insights
so the teacher and students know the simulation is more
than "just a game." The other point that the auther
emphasizes is that simulators do have an advantage over
traditional direct teaching in that they permit students
to self-evaluate their performances and thoughts as they
occur prior to, during and after the simulation. 
Finally, both the students and the teacher need to
understand the rules to carry out the simulation
successfully.