Assessing Problem Solving in Simulation Games

Because of the merits of computer games and simulations, their potential for education and training began to be noticed decades ago, and they have been applied in various fields and settings, for example, in businesses, K-16 education, and the military. This chapter presents a brief review of problem solving and a discussion of games and simulations and their role in teaching problem-solving skills. It uses the problem-solving assessment model developed by National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) because of its validity and reliability. The chapter summarizes three studies conducted on the evaluation of a selected computer game, Safe-Cracker, regarding its effectiveness in improving adults' problem solving. Problem-solving strategies can be categorized into two types: domain independent and domain specific. Dynamic interaction, competition, and novelty are three characteristics of computer-based gaming that contribute to its motivational appeal, and these three characteristics can produce significant differences in learner attitudes.