Shaping an Evaluation Framework for Simulations: A Marriage Proposal

This chapter presents a hypothesized evaluation framework for measuring the effectiveness of simulations for learning, while indirectly providing an instructional design framework. The proposed framework was formulated using course design concepts, a newly emerged purpose-based simulation taxonomy, and a frame using Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory. To examine the untested taxonomy, which posited an alignment between purpose-based simulation categories to that of Bloom, an analysis reviewing literature within the last decade identified 80 articles. Correlation analysis indicated the area of application when compared to that of a modeling-based simulation type presented the strongest relationship. A summary section includes various domain examples to demonstrate an initial examination for fit to the newly proposed framework.