Predictive Factors for Difficulty in Simulation Methodology in Teacher Education

Abstract

BackgroundSimulation methodology in teacher education offers a wide range of practice opportunities in a controlled environment. However, even though not much has been written about the benefits of simulation in teacher training, even less has been said about the difficulties perceived by the participants in doing simulation.MethodIn this study we conducted an exploratory longitudinal study which includes 205 postgraduate participants scattered around the globe who took part in a computer mediated simulation in the years 2019 to 2022 as an assessment tool in a master’s degree for teacher education. Aside from the positive impact on learning, which has already been disseminated (autor1), some recurring difficulties have been identified and presented in this study. A mixed analysis is performed based on the triangulation between qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis method through an open question about participants’ perceptions post-treatment, video recordings and individual final reports. The quantitative data was gathered through a Likert-type questionnaire and analysed using statistical methods.FindingsFindings indicate that (1) simulation entails several concerns about task overload and time consumption along with lack of understanding of what the simulation phases involve (learning focus vs performance focus); and (2) simulation can cause uneasiness and anxiety related to the use of technological devices and teamwork.ContributionsThus, these results have several implications for research, theory and practice when it comes to applying simulation as a pedagogical strategy.