Simulation-based learning in the context of peer learning from the perspective of preservice teachers: a case study

ABSTRACT

Recently, simulation-based learning (SBL) has become an inseparable part of teacher-education. This case study examined the learning processes that preservice teachers experienced while participating in SBL. The main goal of the study was to identify the aspects of peer learning inherent to SBL that are beneficial for the teacher-education process, to facilitate the development of effective teacher-education modules. Current research questions focus on SBL experiences and insights, as seen from the perspective of the preservice teachers regarding peer-learning patterns. Preservice teachers identified the following four benefits related to the implementation of SBL in the context of peer learning: Readiness to provide and accept feedback; The observers’ reflective analysis of the experience; Expanding one’s view of the situation; Collegial bonding. These findings are relevant to teachers around the world and provide evidence of the importance of SBL in the framework of teacher education and especially in the context of peer learning.

KEYWORDS:

• Simulation-based learning
• peer-learning
• preservice teachers
• teacher training
• teacher education

Acknowledgments

• There were no other contributors to the manuscript except the authors

• There is no conflict(s) of interest

• There is no research funding for the study

• We confirm that the two co-authors had complete access to data supporting the manuscript

• We confirm that we received approval for research procedures used from the Ethics Committee of Achva Academic College

We hereby endorse all the above-mentioned information.

Sincerely,

Orna Levin and Heidi Flavian

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Orna Levin

Orna Levin (PhD) is a lecturer at the Department of Literature in Achva Academic College and serves as the academic director of the new simulation centre.

Heidi Flavian

Dr. Heidi Flavian is a senior lecturer, a researcher and the Head of Special Education department at Achva Academic College in Israel, and serves a senior lecturer in the International Team in the Feuerstein Institute since 2002. She is also a Co-Editor of the Journal of Quality Assurance in Education, and served as a Guest Editor for the Journal of Quality Assurance in Education in 2018. Her main areas of research and publishing are teacher training, mediation, thinking processes among students, and teaching students with special needs.