USE OF POLITICAL SIMULATORS IN DEVELOPING ANALYTICAL SKILLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

The article proves the feasibility of using simulation games in the process of teaching political science subjects in higher education institutions. Since traditional teaching methods - lectures, note-taking, testing, which were very effective in the twentieth century, are now less and less suitable for third-wave higher education students, who are characterized by a high level of individualization, and therefore a departure from centralization in favor of network structures.
The didactic potential of simulation games is studied: Democracy 3, Civilization VI, Europa Universalis IV, Cities: Skylines and others, as a tool for activating the educational process in teaching political science subjects in higher education institutions. It is substantiated that the introduction of game simulations contributes to the transformation of the role of the student from a passive object of learning to an active subject of political modeling. It was determined that this method allows integrating theoretical knowledge into the practical plane, recreating the complex mechanisms of government functioning, state decision-making, and the logic of political compromises.
It was established that simulation games allow not only to diversify the educational process, but also to effectively form a number of professional competencies and “soft skills” of future political scientists, in particular, the skills of negotiation, strategic planning, and public rhetoric in a dynamic political environment.
The article proves that creating a safe gaming space for testing various political strategies increases the level of motivation of students and ensures deeper assimilation of professional content through the experience of direct participation.