The foundation of experiential learning is that is allows students to make meaning from experience. As a medium of experiential education simulation provides the opportunity to practice and apply professional competencies with an excellent degree of accuracy. It provides a range of decisional possibilities not possible in case studies. A much validated tool in health professions teaching and assessment it follows that SPM can be a valuable teaching method in professional undergraduate programs to assist learners from law, business, education, social, library sciences, etc., to transition into the workplace.
Reflection on learning and experience is embedded within this methodology through an iterative process, guided facilitation, prebriefing and debriefing. Learners receive feedback on professional manner, attitude, and interpersonal skills, thus promoting specific and individualized learning. The use of SPM as an experiential learning tool in teaching communication, decision making and problem solving can fill gaps between what is required in the job market and what is supplied by the education system.
What is simulation?
Simulation is an interactive technique that replicates experiences and evokes substantial aspects of the real world for practice and/or assessment of practical skills and knowledge. Simulation is a flexible tool; scenarios can be tweaked and re-played as necessary within a session to provide the opportunity to address specific needs of individual learners.
What is the role of a Simulated Person
Simulated persons or simulators are individuals trained to play a particular role in a specific way to provide experiential learning. Simulated persons are trained to provide feedback and can assist with the teaching and facilitation of a teaching session.
How can Simulated Person Methodology (SPM) be used?
SPM develops interpersonal and communication skills in any profession that includes interpersonal communication. This might include; mock trials, interviewing, therapeutic or clinical skills, business transactions, interacting with challenging classroom situations, conflict resolution, inter-professional interactions, etc. Any human interaction can be simulated in the classroom for practice.
Enables participants to apply and experiment with newly acquired skills.
