SIMULATION- A TEACHING METHOD

INTRODUCTION

. Teaching is a complex process

. Simulated teaching is the technique of learning and training

. Simulation is the imitation of a situation or process

. Interest is aroused in the students through “Role Playing” while teaching

DEFINITION

. Simulation has been defined “as an attempt to give appearance or to give the effect of something else”. – Barton-1970

. Simulation is the reproduction of the essential features of a real life situation.

TYPES OF SIMULATION

1.       Simulation exercise - Simulation exercises are exercises that mimic real-life professional scenarios

2.       Simulation game - A game that represent real life situation

3.       Role playing - A form of drama in which learners act different roles

4.       Simple model or Mannequins

5.       Computer screen based clinical case simulators

PURPOSE OF SIMULATION

-To help students to practice decision making and problem solving skills

- To develop human interaction abilities in a controlled and safe settings

- Through active involvement in a simulation exercise, game, or role play, the student achieve cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills

- Simulation provides a chance to apply principles learned and to see how it works

VALUES OF SIMULATION

Ø  Simulation ensures safe nursing practice by nursing students through bridging the gap between theory and practice

Ø  Simulation is an effective technique to learn psychomotor skills

Ø  It helps the students to apply nursing process

Ø  Simulation can be used to evaluate students

Ø  It helps students to develops critical thinking abilities

ROLE OF THE TEACHER

It includes-

Ø  Planning

Ø  Facilitating

Ø  Debriefing

1.       Planning

. Planning begins with choosing or developing an appropriate simulation that will meet course objectives.

. Before using, teacher should ensure the usefulness of the simulation

2.       Facilitating

. Once the simulation progresses the teacher should function as a facilitator during the actual process of simulation

. As a facilitator, teacher has to maintain a non judgmental attitude by not giving quick suggestions or advices.

3.       Debriefing

. Debriefing session should be conducted immediately after the simulation.

. Participants are allowed to do a self analysis, allow ventilation of feelings, and their opinions

. Finally teacher explains the concepts and principles applied in simulation and how the students are benefitted from the experience gained through simulation

ADVANTAGES OF SIMULATION

Ø  It is useful in promoting transfer of learning from class room to the clinical setting.

Ø  Simulation is highly student centered , interesting ,and motivating in nature

Ø  Simulation offers an excellent opportunity to learn from mistakes

Ø  It is effective for both slow and fast learners

Ø  Through simulation students become aware of committing mistakes and can avoid it in future.

Ø  Simulation provides a realistic experience(Eg. Fundamental lab as hospital ward) without harming the patients

Ø  Simulation fosters critical thinking and problem solving skills

DISADVATAGES OF SIMULATION

Ø  It is costly in terms of money and time

Ø  Teachers has to spend more time to prepare a simulation

Ø  Emotion carrying simulation can cause mental trauma to students

Ø  Models often easily damaged

Ø  It requires supervision of trained personal

CONCLUSION

* “Simulation” is a very general and flexible teaching approach

* This develops the ability in an individual regarding problem solving situations

* Simulation aim to provide an experience as close to the ‘real thing’ as possible