Publication
Title
The effects of active learning environments : how simulations trigger affective learning
Author
Abstract
Simulations have become popular teaching tools in political science and EU studies curricula. Proponents point out that simulations match with constructivist theories of learning. They argue that students will better understand EU decision making when they combine theoretical knowledge about negotiation theory with knowledge about how the EU works and with the experience of negotiating as if they were EU actors. This article aims to validate the pedagogical claims by constructivists regarding simulations in two ways. It assesses the organisation of EuroSim, a four day comprehensive simulation of EU decision making organised by the Trans-Atlantic Consortium for European Union Studies & Simulations (TACEUSS) as an active learning environment. In addition, using data from pre- and post-simulation surveys among participants, the authors show that through participation in simulations students gained in the areas of affective learning, such as the ability for self-assessment, as suggested by the constructivist literature.
Language
English
Source (journal)
European political science / European Consortium for Political Research [Colchester] - Essex, 2001, currens
Publication
Essex : European Consortium for Political Research , 2015
ISSN
1680-4333 [print]
1682-0983 [online]
DOI
10.1057/EPS.2015.22
Volume/pages
14 :3 (2015) , p. 254-265
ISI
000360464400005
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Law 
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.06.2015
Last edited 02.10.2024
To cite this reference