Learning from Simulations of Decision-Making

Abstract

This volume deals with simulations as active learning tools to teach political science students. It presents perspectives of both political and educational scientists on simulations as instruments to teach about politics and more in particular about political decision-making. In this introduction to part 1, we first discuss the nature of politics, the discipline of political science, and the topic of political decision-making. Next, we touch upon how academic political science curricula deal with decision-making and how they can be complemented with and benefit from simulations. Finally, we introduce the different dimensions of simulations that are discussed in the chapters of part 1 – Design and Assessment of Simulations.