title: Creating images of the future: a simulation game for dietetics students.
abstract: A learning activity was developed for senior dietetics students to prepare them to respond to a changing future. It combined two methods commonly used to study the future--scenarios and simulation games. The simulation game asked the players to make career choices in accordance with specified scenarios in the areas of politics, economics, health care, foodservice systems, education, and technology. Scenarios could change throughout the game, either by chance or the choice of the players. Major factors affecting individual life-styles, such as acquiring a partner or children, were included. Each player made career choices at 5-year intervals, as he or she moved through life from the present age to age 65. At each age interval, the players discussed the options created by the scenarios in relation to the availability of career choices. Student and instructor response to the activity has been favorable.
mesh_terms: D002322:Career Mobility; D003657:Decision Making; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education*; D005544:Forecasting; D005716:Game Theory; D006801:Humans