Assessing Simulations: Including Third Party Stakeholders

Abstract

Simulations work because they provide our students with performance learning opportunities. Within classes that focus on this performance learning model, the faculty member can assess the preparation for the conference but what about at the conference? Often during a competitive simulation, the faculty member cannot be everywhere at once. Assessment of performance at the conference therefore can be less than ideal. As a consequence, assessment might need to include third party stakeholders such as the leaders of the conference and fellow participants. Creating a new model of assessment that focuses on student presentation without focusing on the awards of the competition can include outside stakeholders. This research centers on assessment tools (for both a state legislative simulation and a Model United Nations simulation) and challenges of including third party stakeholders in assessment.