You Can Be a Great Mayor
J
J034
Résumé, summary
The students try to become "a great mayor" during the simulation game called "TOKIO." In Japan, every mayor is elected once every 4 years. The students become a mayor and do administrative work for 4 years in this game; moreover, the mayor has to be re-elected at the next election.
As the mayor of the game, the students have to consider several things: (1) to convoke the assembly and proclaim the regulation; (2) to build parks, schools, hospitals, stadiums, and so on; (3) to make plans about electricity, gas, water, and garbage; (4) city planning; (5) market researches; (6) to plan for the next election. Not only these issues but other basic elements of the administrative work such as tax planning are experienced in the simulation game. If the mayor decides to reduce tax, he can be supported by many people, but there will be a shortage of the budget for the administrative work. Therefore, the students have to think about the whole of the game while dealing with the small issues.
The students can learn many issues while they enjoy playing the simulation game. They can also develop a high level of problem- solving skills.
Discipline, subject :
sciences humaines
Humanistik
social sciences/humanities
scienze humane
humanities
social sciences
sciences sociales
Public :
primaire
Primarschule
primary school
primario
Contacts :
Honda, Takeshi
Japan Association for Promotion
of Educational Technology, 6-35-1 Kagurazaka, Shinjyuku-ku
J-162
TOKYO(JAPAN)
Tel : 03-3269-5231
Mail :
Fax : 03-3269-5232
Pédagogie, pedagogy :
This computer simulation game helps the students understand the role of the mayor and members of a city council, administration of the city, and election. The students can also understand the relationship between the administration and people in the city.
Apprentissage, learning :
In order to play the simulation game, the students need a high level of problem-solving skills. Since the students can enjoy doing the game, they could develop their high level of thinkings naturally. They can also develop their positive attitudes toward the administrative works.
Enseignement, teaching :
Since this activity usse the simulation game, the teacher does not need to teach students. However, the teacher may encourage the students to complete the game without giving up.
Technique :
We used the simulation software called "TOKIO" for PC computers. Since the software itself did teach the students how to play, the teacher did not need to explain the operation of the software.
Société, society :
The students deal with a lot of social issues in this activity. They develop the sense of good citizenship.
Culture :
Institution :
It was necessary to reserve the computer lab. Although each student used one computer for this activity, it is possible for 2 or 3 students to work together.
Logistique :
The students need to have some concepts about the role of the mayor and members of a city council, administration of the city, and election.
Remarques, remarks :
The students can learn many issues while they enjoy playing the simulation game. Since many students have experiences with Nintendo type games, it seems natural for them to learn things through game activities.