This technique was designed to encourage active engagement in course content whilst replicating professional environments students will likely face in a given profession. In POLS7540 this simulation takes the form of an international peacekeeping scenario. Before the commencement of the simulation (which ideally occurs towards the end of semester) students form small groups and construct and submit an Operation Plan detailing their assigned role within the simulation. This includes the nature, objectives, hierarchy, interests, ethos, and priorities of the organisation and/or stakeholders they are representing; as well as supplementary material such as artefacts, maps and funding requests. Students then carry out the simulation in dedicated class time, drawing of their preparatory work to actively contribute in a particular debate or discussion. After the completion of the simulation, students submit a Final Report in which they discuss the implementation of their plan throughout the entire simulation, reflect on the failures and successes of the simulation, and discuss (in relation to the literature) what the exercise has taught them about the potential and problems of the disciplinary issues discussed in the simulation.
Details
- CLASS SIZE
- 100-500
- CLASS LEVEL
- Third year, Post-graduate
- ASSESSMENT SECURITY
- Medium security
- TIME REQUIREMENTS
- High time
- GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
- In-depth knowledge in the field(s) studied, Effective communication skills, Critical judgement
- CONDITIONS
- Work-related, Group, Sequence
- FEATURES
- Authentic, Problem based
- TAGS
- collaborative learning, reflective/reflexive, peer-led learning, simulation/role play, critical reflection
Advantages
Promotes an active learning environment that supports an application of theory beyond the classroom by engaging students in a hypothetical 'real world' scenario.
Particularly well suited to courses in the field of International Studies and Political Science but could be applied to any HaSS course that wishes to draw on case studies or embed theoretical understanding in practical contexts.
Challenges
Some students are reluctant to engage in the participatory aspect of the simulation – it is important to emphasise that they are not beings assessed on their performance but rather their preparation and critical reflection.
Tips for implementation
Be adaptable on the day of the simulation. Be ready to mediate or encourage discussion if necessary. Organising an appropriate teaching and learning space (equipped with appropriate technology) can be central to this.
How it supports academic integrity
Assessment is based on a unique, observed exercises that are scaffolded across the semester, and would therefore be difficult to outsource or plagiarise.
Authentic learning characteristics
engagement, authenticity and student ownership
Dr Sebastian Kaempf
s.kaempf@uq.edu.au
Dr Sebastian Kaempf is Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at the School of Political Science and International Studies. Dr Kaempf's expertise lies at the intersection between International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies, with specialization in the areas of international security, conflict transformation, ethics and the laws of war, and information technology relating to global politics and violent conflict. Specifically, his research focuses on two areas:
The first concerns the relationship between ethics and the laws of war in the context of the transformation of violent conflict. Here, he is interested in the ways in which historic and contemporary wars - waged under conditions of asymmetry - have impacted on the relationship between the norms of casualty-aversion and civilian protection.
The second area focuses on the role a transforming global media landscape is playing in violent conflicts. Here, his research focuses on how historic and current conflicts are being waged in and through media and information technology, with a particular emphasis on the geopolitics of cyberspace, embedded news reporting, mass surveillance and big data mining, non-state armed groups, and the influence of the Pentagon and CIA in the entertainment sector. Dr Kaempf received his PhD at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University (UK). He holds a BSc and MSc (Econ) in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
He won the ISA Deborah Gerner Award for Teaching Innovation in 2020. In 2013, he won an Australian national award for teaching excellence (AAUT); in 2012, he won UQ and Faculty awards for teaching excellence. He is also the producer (with UQx and edX.com) and convenor of 'MediaWarX', one of UQ's Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): https://www.edx.org/course/global-media-war-technology-uqx-mediawarx-0. He was a visiting fellow/researcher at UGA in Athens, Georgia, Sao Paulo State University, Humboldt University in Berlin, Sciences Po Lyon, the Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro, The University of Sydney,and Brown University in Providence, US. Together with his colleague A/Prof Al Stark, he hosts the podcast 'Higher Ed Heroes': https://www.buzzsprout.com/813707 Find out more