Simulation Design: Negotiation Learning Gains

31 Pages Posted: 1 Jul 2012

See all articles by Noam Ebner

Noam Ebner

Creighton University Heider College of Business

Daniel Druckman

George Mason University - Department of Public & International Affairs

Date Written: June 15, 2012

Abstract

Negotiation educators have long considered simulations a central classroom teaching method, with high expectations regarding the method’s suitability and efficacy for teaching. This paper presents a meta-review of the literature exploring the degree to which simulation delivers on these perceived benefits of simulation, showing that, in reality, simulation enjoys only limited advantages over other teaching methods. Additional critique recently posed to simulations suggests that contextual or cultural reasons might sometimes make their use unsuitable. The combined weight of these two thrusts of critique requires re-evaluating the use of simulation in negotiation education.

In this paper, we note three trends developing as part of this re-evaluation process: Improving use and conduct of simulations, deemphasizing use of simulations as a teaching tool while seeking out new methods, and finding paradigm-changing uses for simulation. With regards to this last, we describe two experiments we’ve conducted, assigning students to design and author simulations, rather than participate in them as role-players. Amongst other benefits of the design method, we found that designers showed higher levels of concept learning and motivation than did role-players.

Suggested Citation

Ebner, Noam and Druckman, Daniel, Simulation Design: Negotiation Learning Gains (June 15, 2012). Intl. Association for Conflict Management, IACM 25th Annual Conference, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2084831 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2084831

Noam Ebner (Contact Author)

Creighton University Heider College of Business ( email )

2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
United States

Daniel Druckman

George Mason University - Department of Public & International Affairs ( email )

4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States
703-993-1400 (Phone)

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