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Preliminary evaluation of Democs has been conducted by the Public Understanding of Environmental Change (PUEC) Group at the University College London (2004). The main findings are that:
- People learn from each other as well as learning through the content of the cards
- This can encourage follow up in terms of further learning on the topic.
"Two core forms of learning occur whilst playing DEMOCS. Whilst the more conventional means of gaining information through the facts on the cards did occur, the method that participants found most rewarding was through the collective knowledge and experiences around the table. This learning from other players also facilitated the development of a greater appreciation for the diversity of opinions and the complexity of the issues at hand. Most importantly, together these two types of learning contribute to generating a spark of interest that appears to foster a heightened receptivity to the topic discussed during the game, which remains present in participants' everyday lives.
"The process of social learning additionally appears to contribute to the establishment of a virtuous circle of knowledge and empowerment. The knowledge gained through the game appears to empower some participants to continue to educate themselves about the issues, which in turn may empower them further. Through the discursive process of deliberation, some participants were also empowered to form a more settled opinion regarding the topic addressed, and to develop the confidence to begin to consider and interrogate received expert knowledges."
- PUEC report on Democs 2004
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