Using a Simulation Exercise to Enrich an Education Policy Course

17 Pages Posted: 20 Jan 2013

See all articles by Dan Wakelee

Dan Wakelee

California State University Channel Islands

Tiina Itkonen

California State University, Channel Islands

Date Written: January 20, 2013

Abstract

A simulation exercise in an education policy and politics course offers a unique opportunity for students to explore a range of policy issues and better understand local school district operations. This course involves students in role playing activities tied to the annual budget process in a local school district setting. The exercise which extends over multiple weeks, allows students to experience firsthand the tough choices faced by school boards and interest groups, and learn about framing and coalition building to assert their issue positions. Student performance in the course suggests that this exercise offers a valuable tool with which to explore issues of educational policy, finance and governance.

Keywords: simulation, education policy

Suggested Citation

Wakelee, Dan and Itkonen, Tiina, Using a Simulation Exercise to Enrich an Education Policy Course (January 20, 2013). 2013 APSA Teaching and Learning Conference Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2204006 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2204006

Dan Wakelee (Contact Author)

California State University Channel Islands ( email )

One University Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
United States

Tiina Itkonen

California State University, Channel Islands ( email )

One University Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
90
Abstract Views
631
Rank
513,289
PlumX Metrics