Improving Instructional Simulation With Structural Debriefing. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pavlov, Oleg V.; Saeed, Khalid; Robinson, Lawrence W.
• Other Names: Alessi Stephen guest-editor.; Kopainsky Birgit guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Simulation & gaming. Volume 46:Number 3/4(2015:Jun./Aug.)
• Page Start: 383
• Page End: 403
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: accumulations -- black-box simulation -- business training -- causal relationships -- debriefing -- delays -- feedbacks -- LITTLEFIELD -- operations management -- simulation -- simulators -- steps -- structural debriefing -- system dynamics -- time; Social sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Game theory -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Jeu de rôle -- Périodiques; Éducation; Jeu d'entreprise; Jeu de simulation; Méthode de simulation; Sciences sociales; Théorie des jeux; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 003.3
• DOI: 10.1177/1046878114567980
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-8781

Abstract

Background. Research shows that learning and task performance improve when participants in management exercisesunderstand the structure of the system theycontrol . However, the majority of business simulators are black-boxes . Aim. This article introducesstructural debriefing, which is a debriefing activity aimed at helping students learn aboutcausal relationships, feedbacks, accumulations, anddelays within a black-box simulation. Method. A structural debriefing can be prepared and facilitated by following theStructural Debriefing Protocol . Results. Apilot study was conducted in which undergraduate students participated in a structural debriefing of The LITTLEFIELD TECHNOLOGIES, a popular simulation for teaching principles of operations management. The students were able to complete all eight steps of a structural debriefing, but required considerabletime (three academic terms) to do so. Not every instructional simulation will require all the steps or such a large time commitment. Conclusion. The successful completion of the pilot study demonstrates thatstructural debriefing is auseful debriefing technique. However, to be effective, the scope and format of a structural debriefing activity must suitpractical andpedagogical considerations.