Teaching Policy Modeling with Simulation Software I. David Wheat Associate Professor of System Dynamics University of Bergen, Norway david.wheat@uib.no Abstract This paper discusses an instructional method that enables students from diverse cultural backgrounds to use system dynamics simulation modeling software as a tool for policy analysis. The method also enables students to transform and clarify their mental models of policy issues. The focus in this paper is on two courses taught by the author—The Modeling Process and Policy Design & Implementation—that are part of the core curriculum of an international graduate program in system dynamics at the University of Bergen in Norway. The primary learning objective of the modeling process course is for students to build explanatory models; i.e., models that use causal, operational variables to simulate problematic behavior that has been observed historically (e.g., trends in unemployment, a flu epidemic, emigration, pollution). In the second course, students learn to craft and test feasible policy options, compare alternatives in terms of expected costs and benefits, and create interactive simulators to aid communication of model-based policy options to public officials and staff. A simple health policy issue is used to illustrate the method.