PRESS RELEASE

Simulation activities lead to innovation award for IUK professor

KOKOMO, Ind. — It’s like the Model UN — but with aliens.

Students in an Indiana University Kokomo political science class gained hands-on experience in problem solving, negotiation, research, collaboration, and more through “Operation Vanguard,” a simulation activity led by Andy Tuholski, assistant professor of political science, during the fall 2024 semester.

The three-day simulation required students to take on roles representing nations or organizations such as the African Union or NATO, and work together to respond to an evolving global situation that began as unexplained energy spikes in remote areas, unexplained wildlife migrations, and massive power outages. Real-time challenges – including the surprise revelation of an alien presence at the center of the mystery – tested the students’ ability to remain composed under pressure while making decisive, ethical choices.

Tuholski’s creativity was recognized by his IU peers with a 2025 FACET Innovate Award from the Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching (FACET) in the Skills Across the Curriculum category.

“I try not to design classes I would not want to take,” said Tuholski. “I love using experiential learning in my classes. I think it’s been a point of differentiation.”

The simulation teaches students to operate with incomplete and conflicting information, and to put themselves in the shoes of world leaders who represent organizations or nations that have different goals and resources.

“When you go into the real world, you will not always get every bit of research you need, or every bit of information from your employer,” he said. “It isn’t designed for everyone to have a level playing field, because that’s how the real world is.”

Teaching through simulation also challenges his teaching skills, as he adapts to his students’ reactions.

“I map it out in advance as best I can, and then respond to the students,” he said. “They receive new breaking news and reports and respond to them. Learning to evaluate and respond to information prepares them for what comes after IUK.”

He’s found these types of scenarios create engaged students.

“My goal is to make it immersive enough that the stakes become real to them,” he said. “Then they are invested. They are spending time outside the classroom collaborating, researching policies in the real world that they can apply to their situation. It allows them to use the knowledge from the classroom and apply it in a lifelike setting. Dealing with these crises and subsequent updates requires them to integrate knowledge across disciplines, including political science, ethics, environmental studies, law, communication, and others, while developing transferable skills like teamwork, problem solving, and leadership.”

Tuholski was one of five IU faculty members recognized at the annual awards, which also included categories for collaborative activities, community engagement, and creative uses of online tools.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.