The Power and Challenges of Using Simulations as a Teaching Tool
Introduction
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Academy of Management (AOM) conference in Chicago, where I engaged in some thought-provoking conversations with business professors and fellow simulation providers. The AOM conference is always a remarkable opportunity to connect with educators who are at the forefront of business education and to learn from other experts in the field of simulations.
These discussions reminded me of my own experience with simulations as a student during my MBA program at 英国曼彻斯特大学 , particularly in the Business Simulation module. This module, positioned right before our final consulting project, was not only challenging but also incredibly eye-opening. Despite my competence in essay writing, presentations, and exams, the simulation exposed areas I hadn’t fully developed—capital allocation, budget management under pressure and uncertainty, and decision-making in a team environment. These experiences shaped my understanding of the value of simulations as a teaching tool, but also made me acutely aware of the challenges they present, both for students and educators.
The Challenge of Integration
During the simulation, I found myself struggling to integrate knowledge from various domains—marketing, finance, HR, strategy, and operations. The simulation required a holistic approach, which is often overlooked in traditional teaching methods. While lectures and textbooks might cover these topics in isolation, a business simulation forces students to apply them simultaneously under real-world-like pressure.
The true challenge lies in the fact that no matter how knowledgeable one is, the nature of these simulations is inherently difficult. As our team navigated the complexities of the simulation, we faced not only the academic challenge but also the practical difficulties of working in globally distributed teams. Different levels of motivation, availability, and perspectives led to conflicts, which in hindsight, were invaluable learning experiences.
The Emotional Journey
At the time, the frustrations we experienced were often directed towards the simulation itself or the facilitators. However, with the benefit of hindsight, it became clear that these frustrations were reflections of our own weaknesses being exposed. This realization is not unique to my experience; it’s a common reaction among students engaged in simulations. The difficulty of the task often leads to emotional responses, which can overshadow the educational benefits in the moment.
Despite these challenges, years later, I look back on that simulation as one of the most important components of my MBA. It taught me to navigate uncertainty, make tough decisions under pressure, and understand the importance of integrating diverse areas of knowledge—skills that are crucial in real-world business environments.
The Enthusiasm Gap
In my current role, and as reiterated by my conversations at AOM, I’ve observed that simulations often elicit a more enthusiastic response from students compared to traditional teaching methods. Typically, 70-80% of students are highly engaged with simulations, finding them to be a profound learning experience. However, there is a sometimes vocal minority who might find the experience overwhelming.
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For educators, this can be disheartening, but it’s important to recognize that even the students who struggle often benefit greatly from the experience. Over time, these students tend to appreciate the challenges they faced and the skills they developed as a result.
Countering the Challenges
One effective way to address the challenges faced by students in simulations is to de-emphasize the assessment aspect. When the focus is shifted away from in-game performance and towards the learning process, students can engage more freely with the simulation as a sandbox for experimentation. This approach allows them to see how amazing an opportunity it is to be make able to practice decisions that mirror real-world scenarios without the consequences that would come with running an actual business.
The Unique Advantages of Simulations
Simulations offer several advantages that make them an unparalleled teaching tool:
Conclusion
The conversations I had at AOM were a reminder of how powerful simulations are as a teaching tool. They are one of the most effective methods for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. By any measure, simulations are one of the most powerful tools available for teaching complex subjects in business education. While there are challenges, particularly for students who struggle with the complexity and pressure, the long-term benefits far outweigh these difficulties.
For educators, the key is to embrace these challenges and guide students through them, knowing that the frustration of today will likely turn into appreciation tomorrow. In an era where AI and remote learning are becoming increasingly prevalent, simulations stand out as a tool that not only survives but thrives in this evolving educational landscape.
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HRM Business Instructor at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
6 个月Experiential learning through the HRManagement Simulation has also been transformational in how I teach Human Resources! In HR, we want to be thinking of all the inputs and outcomes in terms of systems. The HRM Simulation challenges students to stay within budget and produce quality products while considering the human capital factors such as employee moral, turnover, absenteeism, safety, diversity, and more! Fantastic experience!
Director of Marketing at Interpretive Simulations
6 个月Couldn't agree more, Jeremy. I think the emotional journey is underestimated by everyone--instructors, simulation providers and even students. I think it's one of those soft skills that simulations give students practice in doing, that is, learning to listen to yourself and your frustrations to utilize what those frustrations are telling you and help you get through the challenge! We've seen how students hit that breakthrough moment and how transformative it can be for them. Excellent article, thank you for posting it!
Good reflections Jeremy L. . True believers are born from their own simulation experience :)
VP of Brand Marketing @ Stukent | Product Marketing | Brand Strategy | CSR Advocate | 40 Under 40
6 个月Medical education is built off of simulations and hands on labs. It is time that business and marketing education get the same experiential learning opportunities!
VP of Marketing at Stukent
6 个月Completely agree with the need for more simulation learning in the classroom. We've seen firsthand how students are not only engaging with simulations but also speaking highly of their impact on their learning experience.