Simulation Games Lab
Competence Centre for Interactive Teaching and Learning Methods
Simulation games and scenarios enable the systematic analysis of complex political, economic and future social issues. These terms describe teaching and learning methods in which participants empathize with prescribed roles and / or situations and interact with each other in order to solve a particular problem or task.
Simulation games and scenarios have two learning objectives: On the one hand, complex topics can be conveyed in a playful way: by putting oneself into a given role and/or situation and taking positive action, participants can develop deep under-standing. On the other, personal, social and methodological skills, such as rhetorical skills, empathy or presentation techniques, can be practised and consolidated.
Our services for teachers
If you would like to implement interactive teaching and learning methods, we will be happy to assist you with the following services:
- Knowledge exchange around simulation games and scenarios
- Tailored simulation games and scenarios for ZU lecturers and external partners from business, politics and civil society
- Training and consulting regarding the implementation of simulation games and scenarios
Vision & Mission of the Simulation Games Lab
Our Vision: A culture of learning, in which knowledge is lived.
Learning does not just happen at school: in fact, everyone learns throughout life - right from the time of early childcare to adult education. The Simulation Games Lab is committed to a new culture of learning that accompanies life-long learning.
This culture of learning is diverse in nature and regards the different approaches to learning as participatory, since teachers themselves become actors as part of their teaching activities.
This culture of learning is intended to establish itself in wider society and then radiate out across all generations. Thus, the Simulation Games Lab contributes to the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training ("ET2020"). This framework covers learning in all contexts - formal, non-formal and informal - and at all levels - from early childhood education and care and school education right through to university education, vocational training and adult learning.
Why use simulation games and scenarios?
homo ludens, the playful man, is a concept according to which man develops his abilities through games. At the Simulation Games Lab, we are convinced that breaking down the boundaries between games and learning creates an efficient, holistic learning process.
Simulation games and scenarios convey both knowledge and content. By imagining themselves in a situation, changing perspectives and assuming roles, participants not only develop a deep understanding of relevant mechanisms and phenomena, but also learn how these affect structures, institutions and people.
Simulation games teach skills and social abilities such as rhetorical skills, team skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and an orientation for action. Thus, in addition to any actual transfer of knowledge, the humanity of the participants is also fostered.
Our Mission: Educate. Support. Inspire.
This diverse, inclusive and participatory culture of learning can only be created through expertise and experience. Therefore, the Simulation Games Lab focuses on the special teaching and learning method used by simulation games and scenrios. The Simulation Games Lab promotes the existing initiatives and the potential of simulation games and scenrios at Zeppelin University and its surroundings.
The Simulation Games Lab bundles together expertise and resources and makes them available, be it in the form of simulation games, scenarios or other teaching materials.
The Simulation Games Lab also sees its function as simplifying the perception and use of these resources. Through training sessions, consultations and sensitization campaigns, it is intended that teachers in all settings will be able to learn when, how and where they can use simulation games and scenarios.
The development of the Simulation Games Lab is a project funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg.
The Simulation Games Lab is a member of the SAGSAGA - Gesellschaft für Planspiele in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz e. V. This association sees itself as an interdisciplinary network of business game developers, users and researchers.
