SIMULATIONS AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Simulations differ from games and informal dramas and their benefits have not been fully realized because of misunderstandings and a subject‐bound approach. Most simulations have been used at college level or with adults, and little has been done in the secondary schools, partly due to a shortage of suitable material. The author's eight graded simulations are designed to give practice in communication skills‐‐discussing, organizing, interviewing, assessing materials, presenting a case and speaking in ‘public’,‐‐all on the level of adult responsibility. Although intended mainly for sixth‐form and college level, experiments have been carried out with fourth forms in secondary schools. There was a high degree of motivation and involvement and the simulations achieved their aim of giving practice in communication skills.