How Simulation-Based Learning Can Enhance Problem-Solving Skills

Do you believe that immersive technology becomes a distraction? Does this mean simulation-based learning is creating problems instead of promoting problem-solving skills? 

While this may be a popular notion, it can be easily termed a myth. This is because it speeds up the process and reduces the time spent learning a skill, thanks to its pilot learning feature for a zero-distraction environment. 

Simulation-based learning is a type of learning that allows learners to use different techniques and steps in a more controlled environment to prepare them for dealing with real-world situations.

Moreover, in many ways, it helps people in enhancing their problem-solving skills.

• Psychological Safety

The first and foremost thing for effective learning to take place is the safe environment in which it takes place. Simulation provides such an environment where learners don’t feel as if they are being judged for taking a wrong step or following their own method of solving a problem.

Rather, learners are more likely to discuss privately kept information in order to solve a problem instead of following the group’s way of solving a problem.

• Innumerable Attempts To Get It Correct

Simulation-based learning allows its users to fix their mistakes until they reach a desired result/outcome. Learners get countless tries to apply the knowledge learned correctly.

This allows its learners to think of and use different ways to apply their knowledge aptly, enhancing their skills to solve a problem.

• First-hand Experience Without Threats

Putting learners in real-life situations poses obvious threats where a harmless error on the learner’s part can cause severe consequences.

Simulation learning which feels like the real world provides a threat-free environment for learners to learn, think logically or creatively based on a particular scenario and eventually practice by implementing the learned knowledge, polishing learners’ problem-solving skills.

• Foreseeing And Tackling Imaginable Fail Points

Some simulation-based learning gives its learners subtle insights into what may go wrong if they choose or take a certain step.

Thus, allowing its learners to make mistakes and to learn from those mistakes so they can avoid them when encountering a similar situation in the real world.

Moreover, adding suggestions and precautionary messages can aid in effective decision-making on the learners’ part.

All these little details of a simulation program can go a long way in improving one’s individual problem-solving skills.

• Provides Immediate Feedback

Contrary to traditional learning methods where one can get feedback only after the completion of an activity or entire work, simulation-based learning provides immediate feedback to its learners even if a learner is between the steps of an activity. 

This helps learners rectify their mistakes on the spot while also making note of the mistakes to avoid repeating them eventually in real-world applications.

Conclusion

Simulation-based learning helps its learners have adequate exposure and gain relevant experience to tackle risky and complex real-world situations and problems, while simultaneously teaching them how to enhance their problem-solving skills.