Testimonials

From Faculty:

“While the use of SPM is common in health professions education, where its effectiveness is supported by strong research evidence, Dr. Peisachovich’s innovative idea was to introduce it to other professions outside of health care at York University.

Dr. Peisachovich has inspired me to bring the SPM to the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto, where we implemented it in Museum Studies and User Experience Design classes, as well as in a skills development workshop for Library and Information Studies students.

In December 2017, I attended a workshop to learn about SPM, develop scenarios, test-run the scenarios and revise them. I was highly impressed with the quality of simulations that faculty members developed under the SPM team’s guidance.  Even though I am familiar with the method, I learned a lot from the workshop and expertise and found ideas and the tools provided during the workshop extremely valuable and truly inspirational.”-  Dr. Aviv Shachak Associate Professor Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Dalla Lana School of Public Health) and Faculty of Information (iSchool), University of Toronto, December, 2018

“Thank you to all at the SPM Lab for my literacy-related education classes. It was a highlight and a focus of our work during the course, bringing to life key issues and concepts. I am looking forward to incorporating this in another very different course in the future and will be in touch.” – Dr. Karen Armstrong, Course Director, Education and Family Literacy, Faculty of Education, York University, March, 2019

“Simulated Person Methodology helps facilitate students’ critical thinking and self-reflection and prepares graduates to practice in complex and dynamic workplace environments.  This type of teaching methodology can be used in any program; it can include things such as interview preparation, conflict management and crisis intervention. It is not limited to healthcare professions.” - Dr. Loriann Hynes, Coordinator Athletic Therapy Certificate, Faculty of Health, York University, September, 2018

“The workshop, using the simulated person methodology, was such a positive and rich experience for the students because they had an opportunity to experience real-life conditions in a safe and guided environment.  It provided the students an opportunity for hands-on learning of the theories and approaches they are taught in the classroom.” - Dr.  Maria Liegghio, Associate Professor, Social Work School, York University  January, 2019

“The Simulated Person Methodology Lab team recruits and provides training to SPs who are individuals trained in simulation methodology to portray a client or person in a specific encounter.  With the support of the SPM Lab team, we worked in close collaboration with the SP trainers to ensure that the SPs enacted and embodied the role defined in the scenarios to meet the learning objectives.  Prior to the simulation, I had the chance to meet with the SP trainers to support them in contextualizing the simulation scenarios.  This meeting allowed for a mock ‘walk through’ of the scenarios so that the SP trainers can get a sense of how the questioning will unfold. This was, in turn, communicated to the SPs.” - Vina Sandher, Field Education Manager, School of Social Work, January, 2019

"I have had the opportunity and to work with Eva Peisachovich and the team at the SPM Lab now for the past couple of years and I must say that it has been an excellent experience.  The team was very professional and the quality of the Simulated Person training was superb! It allowed the Athletic Therapy students in my capstone course to experience a summative oral practical exam that emulates what they would experience in real life practice. The SPM lab is an excellent service and resource and would recommend it to any program on campus searching for simulated experiences whether through an exam process or learning tool in a classroom setting. Thank you!" - Dr. Michael Boni, Assistant Professor, Associate Director, Athletic Therapy Certificate Program, Faculty of Health, York University, April 2019

From Students:

“I just wanted to say that despite my fear/reluctance to get up there and participate in the simulation today, I’m so glad I did! It was such a meaningful & rewarding experience! I’m still thinking about it and imagining different scenarios and responses. Being on the spot, actually experiencing the practice of tactfully gathering information in an unknown situation, exercising empathy while also make connections and problem solve was so powerful. I certainly feel more confident and better prepared to handle such a situation in my future teaching practice, in a way I would not have by just reading about it or watching someone else do it.” – Sabrina Musa – Undergraduate Student, Faculty of Education, York University, March, 2019

From Staff:

“It was a great opportunity for collaboration with campus partners to deliver a rich learning experience for our student staff. The students responded very well and offered us with some great feedback and insight about their experience. Overall the message was that they enjoyed the learning opportunity with the blend of the didactic session along with the simulated persons scenario. I am hoping we can have a debrief session to going over details/feedback for next time! Your lab is an unbelievable resource on campus and I look forward to future opportunities to work with the SPM Lab.” - Andrew Hvizd – Manager, Fitness & Lifestyles Athletics & Recreation, York University, February, 2019

“Partnering with the Department of Athletics & Recreation and the Simulated Person Methodology Lab was an exciting and unique opportunity for the education team with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion.  Together, we developed an experiential, impactful workshop designed to help student staff understand the impacts of racism, homophobia, transphobia and sexual harassment; apply strategies for addressing comments and incidents in the workplace; improve capacity to provide appropriate and inclusive services; and better understand the needs of diverse staff, students, faculty and the York community. We are always interested in working with campus partners to develop innovative training that responds to the needs of learners in relevant and engaging ways.” - Allison Bishop, Advisor of Education and Communications with REI, York University,  February, 2019.

From the Workshop: