Adapting learning in a simulated environment

Simulation is one of many education techniques in medicine but uniquely requires that we integrate multiple principles of learning and education design from both a cognitive psychology and social constructivist lens. In this chapter, we outline the most important considerations for designing simulated learning opportunities. We restrict our discussion to the use of scenario-based simulations, which incorporate technology, and confederates, actors or standardized clients with defined scripts and roles. We take the position that these forms of simulation often have very specific expectations and learning objectives. Therefore, the focus of this chapter is how people learn within carefully designed settings where everyone is expected to participate and work together to solve a problem.