EVALUATION OF "BIGSVILLE"

Before the evaluation of a simulation game it is often useful to have a break (for example, with the help of an energiser) to help the participants take some distance from their roles.

In their regional groups, the participants receive the following questions:
a) how did you invent your "culture"?
b) did you find it difficult to find proposals/arguments, why?
c) how difficult was it for you to identify with your new culture?
d) what were the negotiations like between the regions?

Concentrating on the second phase:
a) how did the plenary meeting go?
b) which arguments were used? which were successful?
c) how did you react to being represented?

The following elements should be stressed during the evaluation:
- different definitions and components of "culture"
- perception of cultural differences, especially looking at the fact that it is often easy to make judgements based on superficial inspection, rather than looking for the real meanings
- the limits of tolerance
- the impact of economic and political power relations upon cultural relationships
- the role of time pressure in negotiations
- reasons for racism and xenophobia
- possibilities of making comparisons between the game and real life

The simulation game itself:
- did the participants learn anything?
- was it fun?
- any suggestions for improving the game?

[Simulation game devised by Imke Roebken and Mark Taylor for the Second European Youth Week seminar "Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance", Bratislava, July 1992.]

If the group enjoyed this simulation, then they may also enjoy "The island" in the all different all equal education pack, which also deals with resolving cultural and social differences. Alternatively, they may like to do the role-play, "Guess who is coming to dinner", which also explores power relations in an intercultural context, but this time in a family.

If the group enjoy arguing a case and persuading others of their point of view, then they may like to do the activity, "Electioneering" in Compass. Another activity in the same publication is the simulation, "Makah Whaling" that aims to provoke a critical awareness of the social and cultural perspectives on the right to catch whales.

If you want to keep the theme of racism and intolerance in a city, then you may like to look at two examples of practical steps young people have taken to combat racism in their own localities. Go to the "Examples of good practice" in DOmino.