Increasing Student Engagement using Client-Based Peer Assessment in Multi-Role, Whole-Enterprise Simulations

Abstract

This chapter presents two established pedagogical techniques to increase student engagement, simulations and peer assessment. The use of each technique, its benefits and drawbacks, and how content knowledge and student engagement increase are detailed. While each of the approaches can be utilized independently to create active learning environments, this chapter illustrates the potential to extend these approaches further. An overview of an MBA-level elective on competitive analysis structured around a simulation and peer assessment is presented. The result is a highly interactive and engaging course where the simulation and peer assessments achieve symbiotic benefits. Learning and performance in the simulation is enhanced by the application of competitive analyst reports which are used by peer “clients.” Assessment in turn leads to greater insights to the simulation, and subsequently higher levels of performance on both the simulation and future analysis work. Insights on these instructional methods, their limitations, and potential barriers to adoption are offered with the hope of inspiring others to utilize and experiment with novel approaches for further enhance learner engagement.

Citation

Gove, S. (2012), "Increasing Student Engagement using Client-Based Peer Assessment in Multi-Role, Whole-Enterprise Simulations", Wankel, C. and Blessinger, P. (Ed.) Increasing Student Engagement and Retention Using Immersive Interfaces: Virtual Worlds, Gaming, and Simulation (Cutting-Edge Technologies in Higher Education, Vol. 6 Part C), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 95-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-9968(2012)000006C007