THIS I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:– There spread a cloud of dust along a plain; and underneath the cloud, or in it, raged a furious battle, and men yelled, and swords shocked upon swords and shields. A prince’s banner wavered, then staggered backward, hemmed by foes.
A craven hung along the battle’s edge, And thought, “Had I a sword of keener steel– That blue blade that the king’s son bears, — but this blunt thing–!” he snapped and flung it from his hand, And lowering crept away and left the field.
Then came the king’s son, wounded, sore bestead, and weaponless, and saw the broken sword, hilt-buried in the dry and trodden sand, and ran and snatched it, and with battle shout lifted afresh he hewed his enemy down, and saved a great cause that heroic day.
- Edward R. Sill One Hundred and One Famous Poems
What was the difference between the craven and the king’s son in this story? You may say simply one was courageous, the other was a coward! And that is true, but what is it that makes a man overcome such tremendous odds “and save a great cause” using a broken sword? The craven was, I’m sure, a very ordinary person whose mother had taught him as a child to be brave and true, but because he had never before faced with a situation of crisis, he knew not how to accept a challenge and succeed. He lacked character, desire and independence.
The Prince, however, from the time of his infancy had been told that he would someday take his father’s place and lead his people. From his youth he was no doubt trained in the arts of virtue and leadership; learning diplomacy, swordsmanship, and war strategy. Thus having been prepared to face any scenario of adversity, when he found that his army “staggered backwards, hemmed by foes… [being himself] wounded and sore bested…” he did not allow himself to despair, but with a broken sword saved his father’s kingdom. Isn’t this what we all desire for our children? The ability to know their strengths and be prepared to face any challenge that life may give them with courage and virtue. Simulations are a powerful way to develop these attributes in your students.
Simulations: Strategic scenarios rigorously challenging your education in true-to-life events. The development of character, desire and independence are all by-products of quality simulations. The benefits of simulations might fill volumes. Simulations Institute has recognized a few and listed them below; enjoy reading about this powerful educational tool. We hope to meet you in person at a simulation event.
Unleash “interdisciplinary-desire”; a direct by-product of passionately relating knowledge to self.
The energy that comes from a simulation participant when they realize they can make things happen using knowledge is astounding. The situations require participants to stand for something and challenge colleagues; producing long-term confidence. They form educational habits personalizing what they have learned. As participants begin to trust themselves in truth, they are preparing for the next event. This event may be a scenario or the real thing. The world needs leaders with vitality; with so much interdisciplinary-desire that they aren’t afraid of knowledge or the responsibilities which come with it.
Shift the central focus of education from acquiring to becoming.
The thought has probably crossed your mind “couldn’t education be more like a download; then once you have it retrieving it wouldn’t be painful?” On the other hand; why should we desire a download? What is the purpose of education? Simulations provide a vehicle to become what we desire. As a key ingredient of education, simulations tie the whole person together utilizing all of our resources to become more.
Engage in a situation requiring interdependence.
Educational forms are the unsung heroes of education. Educational forms are vehicles of habit that facilitate learning. Simulations are forms which build from already strong desires in such a way that all participants can choose to gain a great education from a great experience again and again.
Empathize with historic icons.
Simulations invite participants to take on roles beyond their current capability, to act like what they want to become; then review where they stand with qualified mentors. What better way to get to know the greats than to, for an event, become that person?
Develop the habits of leadership in situations that require action.
Our world groans for leadership, supplying very few activities that engage us in leadership. How do you know where you will best lead? What are your specific talents designed for your individual mission? Simulations provide unique periods of time when the authority is you. Are you ready?
Experience natural educational accountability and assessment.
Buzz words in education: accountability and assessment. What if you could test the application of education? It is interesting that with the right form of testing you can create the right type of teaching. Observing educational institutions it will be readily noted that the methods of education will follow the methods of evaluation; when the evaluations change teaching changes.
Find your place and encourage talents unique to your mission.
Future success is difficult to visualize; it is in the present that we can see the future. Why not place yourself in a situation you would watch for entertainment. As the common saying goes “history repeats itself”; you can literally experience the future in a simulation. Understand the value of building a “reality language” as opposed to the current and rampant “popularity language”. It has been a pleasure to interview homeschool leaders recognized on a state level. These interviews were designed to check the educational pulse of the state. I wanted to know the successes and concerns of most noted state-wide homeschool families and what was needed in education generally and commonly between the sometimes varied homeschool communities.
I noticed a common trend. Teenagers would do most of their learning alone, which is wonderful. The things they were learning were interesting and exciting. When they would socialize at get-togethers they would say the safe things that would be excepted and popular; this concerns me. Fortunately I have realized that simulations help them connect reality to social experience. During one of the simulations this summer the transformation was immediate. I have since recognized the changes which have resulted from simulations in my past. How comforting to know there is a tool acting as a catalyst for those who desire reality language.
Expand perspective and potential.
From our provincial view we think we see the whole picture. Representing another person in a crises, actively discussing pertinent issues with people outside of normal circles, and working toward a challenging objective broadens understanding and scope. Simulations provide a whole new frontier.
Learn to identify and utilize resources in intense situations.
We are all limited to what we have; success doesn’t recognize limits it focuses on opportunity. Valuing the talent and worth of those around us is unfortunately less prevalent than we want it to be. In simulations participants recognize the weakness of not engaging and the power of involving team. Third options are often crucial to the simulation’s final success.
Simulations are boot camps for life; through them students experience the intensity life demands. In a simulation students are tested at their personal peak levels; knowledge is internalized, theory is organized, and it becomes reality. This life changing experience will be remembered and applied throughout life. The experience of a simulation cannot be replaced with any other event.
In simulations participants are placed in real life scenarios, and having prepared ahead, become more than they previously were. As we come in contact with new knowledge, apply it, and defend it, we begin to know ourselves and trust ourselves in truth. When this happens our desire grows and we value knowledge more and more. Simulations facilitate the process of growth. Development of character desire and independence are all by-products of a quality simulation.
Those desiring to host simulations should decide what needs are most prevalent in their area then call Simulations Institute. Scenarios can be written or one may choose to use the commonly preferred scenarios, which address prevailing needs in society. Our mission is to provide educational opportunities people choose. Our desire is that your experience with SI be an enjoyable life-changing event.
