Guest Blog: The Proven Practice of Simulations

by Christine Jaegle, Civics Mentor for DuPage County

Christine Jaegle has taught social studies at Lisle Senior High School for a total of seven years, returning this past school year after taking time off to raise her children.

Christine helped implement the Legislative Semester there, a Government curriculum where seniors participate in a semester long congressional simulation. She has also helped design a new Civics course directed at sophomores with many of the same principles. In her comments below, Christine shares how the use of the proven practice of simulations of democratic processes benefits her diverse student body.
Utilizing simulations in the classroom is something I have always been extremely passionate about. At Lisle High School our American Government class for seniors is taught as a semester-long legislative simulation where students work to identify themselves on the political spectrum, elect leadership, and create legislation. The semester culminates at Committee Hearings held in the library and a Full Session held in our auditorium where they debate and vote on the fate of their ideas. For me, the biggest satisfaction I get out of utilizing this structure is to see students succeed who may have struggled in a traditional government course.

We have students with IEPs, 504 plans, ELL services, and anxiety or other emotional disorders stand up in front of their peers and passionately advocate for their bills by delivering eloquent speeches in support of their position. Additionally, many of these students step out of their comfort zone and volunteer to take on a leadership role. This enthusiasm stems from the choice and ownership that students are given over their topics. Students develop an authentic understanding of the process of government far better by participating in the simulation than they do in a traditional format.

I have adapted these principles in my sophomore Civics class when discussing current and controversial issues by implementing Socratic Seminars frequently this year. Providing this structure for discussions allows students to take ownership and discuss topics in a safe and structured environment. The norms of a Socratic Seminar provide a setting where students practice, utilize and become quite proficient at skills needed to have productive real world conversations on sensitive issues.

Do you use the proven practice of simulations in the classroom? Please comment below and share your expertise. Together, we can prepare students for college, career and civic life.

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