simulations effectiveness
I think simulations are a great way to create real life situations for learning. However, I think they need to be tied up to some kinda accountability or consequence for not meeting the goal, otherwise students think its just a game and nothing will come out of them
Stephen,
yes, these type of simulations are a great idea. The closer we can make them to reality, the better the learning experience for our students will be.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree with this statement and use deadlines and a point system to create a real world situation. I tie the points to what we refer to as real world dollars in lost revenue for failing to honor your contract with your customer in the agreed time. Of course no real money is used but the numbers don't lie and it helps the student to understand what it is they need to focus on.
We use simulation and it works very well. The student must perform a test at the end of the program to prove they have the ability to repair systems.
For a simulation to be effective,the student must be able to describe the process,and reason for needing the repair.
Those are the areas I believe are important to go over dureing class presentations.
I agree that simulation cannot replace real experience however as a great learning tool is very important in preparation to future profession.
There is nothing that comes close to actually doing something with your hands. Once students have hands on its then that they are able to connect what they have learned to practicle living and then are able to living.
Melissa,
this is a great example of a field where the hands on & simulations are vital to the learning of key concepts & skills.
Dr. Ryan Meers
We use simulation for everything in the dental program. Accountability comes in the form of competency testing of the simulated skill.
Lori,
this is a great point. When we can force them to think critically it makes the learning even more powerful.
Dr. Ryan Meers
This is the seem in my field. I find this is a great time to tie in critial thinking questions. They may show you the tasks at hand but when you throw in a question they will have to answer in the real world it really gets them think the whole process through.
Simulation is a large part of EMS training. In class scenarios are used to practice the skills needed to assess and treat medical and traumatic emergencies in the prehospital environment. The more varied the scenarios the better prepared the students are for their state practical exam and for employment in EMS.
My students will arrive having had to conduct tasks in a complex and changing environment. They probably executed tasks that were not productive and in the end, were a waste of time and resources. I ask them to remember that and ask what would they have done different.
Michael,
this is a great asset when we have the opportunity.
Dr. Ryan Meers
in healthcare education, we have a lab where we simulate provider/patient interaction. A safe environment to learn a stressful skill.
In my field we simutlate all task. For example just by reading and lecture the student would not know how to pass instruments to the Doctor.
Cristian,
I agree that simulations are indeed great learning 'tools,' though I have tended to ensure that if they do fail to meet the goal, we review and then they are given an opportunity to re-do the part that they feel went wrong/badly. This has helped to ensure the learning has been retained and importantly, gives them a sense of achievement.
