Critical thinking, technology and mock conventions
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Instructional simulations
Instructional simulations give students an opportunity to have a deeper understanding of learning through the process of conducing the simulation.
What's the key element that differentiates instructional simulation from other teaching methods? The specification of a conceptual structure within which students interact and experience - firsthand - the relationships between concepts.
Electing a President: An Instructional Simulation
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and GenerationNation are partnering to offer curriculum and other educational resources giving students the opportunity to learn about political conventions by taking part in the process - and then sharing photos, videos and other content so everyone can see civics in action!
In this mock convention instructional simulation, students take on the role of a delegate to a political convention, and run a model convention. Students learn various aspects of the election process, and how each step is interdependent.
Students, schools, families and youth programs have the opportunity to document their civic learning activities - such as the mock convention - and sharing with GenerationNation via social media.
More than Democrat and Republican
During Campaign 2012, there are nine political conventions taking place throughout the United States. Additionally, there could be many candidates from parties on the November 2012 ballot, and the possibility of another 4 independent candidates (without party affiliation). This is why it is important for students to understand the presidential election process.
Critical thinking and creative thinking
This simulation of political conventions involves both critical thinking and creative thinking:
- Critical thinking is analytical, objective and selective. When students think critically, they make choices based on researched information and from personal experiences.
- Creative thinking is generative, subjective and expansive. When students think creatively, they are open to and generate new ideas.
- Each way of thinking is helpful as students’ process information and demonstrates their understanding by producing a product that conveys that understanding.
Author
Don Mitchell, Social Studies Specialist in the Department of Humanities in Curriculum and Instruction at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools