The third section discusses similar opportunities for enhanced assessment offered by games. The next section focuses on the opportunities offered by simulations for enhanced assessment of science learning.
The first section uses the lens of contemporary assessment theory to identify weaknesses in the assessment of student learning resulting from interaction with simulations and games, as well as weaknesses of science assessment more generally. This chapter focuses on assessment of the learning outcomes of simulations and games and their potential to both assess and support student science learning. However, the rapid development of simulations and games for science learning has outpaced their grounding in theory and research on learning and assessment. The Role of Simulations and Games in Science AssessmentĪs outlined in previous chapters, simulations and games can increase students’ motivation for science learning, deepen their understanding of important science concepts, improve their science process skills, and advance other important learning goals.
