METHODS

Simulation

Presented by he Slovenian team

What is simulation?

• A language learning method which allows students to express themselves in a group setting

• Don‘t mix it up with the Role play Role play: students pretend to be someone else Simulation: students retain their own identity• The outcome: effective communication (rather

then strictly correct use of vocabulary/structures• The tasks: require the students to resolve a

problem (using their own life experience nd character)

Important points to considerA good simulation should:• mimic real life situations as closely as possible• be relevant to the lives and interests of the learners (raises motivation, reduces fears)• take place in a simulated environment – a classroom adapted to

the environment of the simulation (audio-visual support)

Teacher‘s role:• active in the preparation stage (providing facts and materials)• „hands-off“ approach during the simulation: monitoring during the simulation (no interaction ) making notes on the level of students‘participation and most

frequent errors – a basis for feedback/evaluation/assessment

AdvantagesSimulation • gives students the chance to carry out a task or solve a problem together; the freedom to make their own choices/decisions• allows students to experiment with new vocabulary and structures; to base their choices/ decisions on their own experience; • strengthens cooperation and collaboration skills. • develops team building skills (life skills).• removes error correction from the equation at the time of the

exercise;

Preparing a simulation

Conducting, Evaluating, Assessing simulationsConducting

detailed preparation (time, what is expected) notes on weak points (for the next sessions)

Evaluating Criterion: problem resolved as a result of effective

communication, team work, motivation, independence Debriefing, surveys, observation sheets, video recording…

Assessing Portfolios Descriptive assessment (levels/ „can“ sentences) Grades: combination of self-assessemnt and teacher‘s grade (+

written product if applicable)

This was the theory......what about the practice?

Let‘s start with our simulation :

Visiting the city of Celje for the first time