Use direct-experience formats — simulation games, extracurricular activities, action learning, peer teaching — to pursue relational-domain objectives¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article recommends learning environments that let learners explore social relationships through direct experience, in simulated or real-world formats, on the premise that one leads by leading rather than by reading about leading. It invokes Anderson and Moore's three qualities of effective formats for interdependence training: "a safe environment; safety to make mistakes; a playful atmosphere; (2) an intrinsic reward system; builtin goals and source of motivation; (3) guidance in mastery of relevant techniques." Simulation games, school extracurricular activities, community action learning, peer teaching, and Junior Achievement are named as strong matches, especially when paired with structured conceptual and evaluational activities.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Structured conceptual and evaluational activities aligned with the taxonomy's categories must be added so formats also provide guidance in mastery of relevant interpersonal techniques

Constraints¶

• The recommendation rests on a stated assumption about the interactive qualities of social relationships, not on comparative data reported in the paper

Target Learners¶

• social studies students
• youth in school and community programs

Target Learning Goals¶

• interpersonal relations skills
• leadership and followership capabilities

Related Strategies¶

• Virtual Reality Simulations
• Simulations + Structured Activity
• Use equity-oriented extracurricular clubs as spaces for sustained peer dialogue on urgent civic issues
• Learning Through Play
• On-country visits where students interact with Aboriginal Elders as experiential learning
• Encourage activities that support positive peer relationships through direct connections, clubs, and sports

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Brandhorst, Allan R. (1976). Toward a Taxonomy of Educational Objectives in the Relational Domain. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED134505