Scaffolding Expert-Novice Learning and Decision-Making Within a Simulation-Game

Speakers: Jamie Kirkley, Ph.D., Sonny Kirkley, Ph.D.

Track: SGS: Learning & Instructional Theory

Format: Lecture

Experience Level: All

Description: Learners often need support to be successful in a game-based learning environment. One way to support learning is through the use of scaffolds. Scaffolds are tools, strategies, and guides that enable students to develop understandings beyond their immediate grasp. Several scaffolding frameworks have been proposed to provide guidance on scaffolding for open-ended, learner-centered environments. Yet critical questions remain with regard to how to design scaffolds that account for a learner’s level of expertise. From research on cognitive load, we do know that excessive or insufficient support can hamper the learning process.

In this session, a methodology is presented on how to design a scaffold so that it provides a learner with the right amount of support based on his or her level of understanding. The audience provides their own examples of the use of scaffolding.

Idea Takeaway: Participants are able to take the scaffolding model presented and use it to guide their own simulation-game development efforts. In addition, participants are provided examples of how different games have made use of scaffolding to support the player.

Intended Audience: This session is intended for attendees who are interested in designing more instructionally sound games by more effectively making use of scaffolding. The discussion is relevant to beginners and experts.