Play,
Game,
Simulation:
three magic words
Busnago 07 05 2010
Dr Paolo Iotti
www.paoloiotti.net
1
www.paoloiotti.net
2
www.paoloiotti.net
3
A weekend with…
A weekend with…
A weekend with…
A weekend with…
I’m Emil
Faith
www.paoloiotti.net
8
3 activities; 3 strategies
►Play
Game
www.paoloiotti.net
Simulation
9
PLAY…
►A
play is a manner of dealing with others; it
is different from real life; it differs from
reality in place and time.
► A play starts and ends at a given point, and
it can be repeated.
www.paoloiotti.net
10
GAME…
►A
game is an activity based on competition, so
at the end, there is always a winner and a loser.
► Of course the winner of the game can get
different rewards, for example:
 it can be something real (an object), something
symbolic (points), idealistic (praise)...
►A
game is rule-governed, so there is a set of
rules which each participant has to obey.
www.paoloiotti.net
11
SIMULATION
►A
simulation is nothing else but trying to act out
the real-life situations.
► People taking part in simulations play different
social roles. It is very often connected with solving
some kind of a problem or planning something.
► The basic difference between a game and a
simulation is that in a game there is always a
winner, which not always happens in case of
simulation.
www.paoloiotti.net
12
More example of plays 1/2
www.paoloiotti.net
13
More example of plays 2/2
www.paoloiotti.net
14
More example of games 1/2
www.paoloiotti.net
15
More example of games 2/2
www.paoloiotti.net
16
Disadvantages of using games in the
classroom ? Maybe, but…
►
A GAME...
►
... helps to train children’s memory and
creativity and…
what is more, it teaches children to control
their feelings (anxiety, impatience, anger)
…
►
►
www.paoloiotti.net
17
More advantages of using games in
the classroom
►
►
►
►
►
►
Games are a welcome break from the usual routine
of the language class.
They are motivating and challenging.
Learning a language requires a great deal of effort;
games help children to make and sustain the effort
of learning.
Games provide language practice in the various
skills- speaking, writing, listening and reading.
They encourage children to interact and
communicate.
They create a meaningful context for language use.
www.paoloiotti.net
18
More example of simulations 1/2
www.paoloiotti.net
19
More example of simulations 2/2
www.paoloiotti.net
20
Plays Games & Simulations
► Language
learning is a hard task which can
sometimes be frustrating. Constant effort is
required to understand, produce and manipulate
the target language. Well-chosen P G & S are
invaluable as they allow children to practice their
language skills.
► P G & S are highly motivating since they are
amusing and at the same time challenging. They
also encourage and increase cooperation.
www.paoloiotti.net
21
In conclusion…
There is a common perception that all
learning should be serious and solemn in
nature, and that if one is having fun and
there is hilarity and laughter, then it is not
really learning. This is a misconception. It is
possible to learn a language as well as
enjoy oneself at the same time.
► One of the best ways of doing this is
through the combination of today’s three
key words plays, games, and
simulations
►
www.paoloiotti.net
22