Simulation in Adult Learning

Abstract

This chapter discusses the use of simulation in higher education, particularly in the engineering, business, and health care disciplines. The authors have identified three simulation types in terms of learning outcomes: single skill building, role play or skill building in a simple context, and comprehensive scenario-based simulation. The history and the application of simulation to build a single skill, for role play, and for comprehensive skills learning and practice is explored. It is observed that simulation is beneficial to student learning in all disciplines. However, business and health care appear to use simulation more extensively, especially scenario-based. Both business and health care employ simulation for behavioral training. In conclusion, simulation tends to appeal to students of the new generation Z, who value the experience of doing.