Exploring Teacher Candidates' Physiological Responses Within Clinical Simulations: Design and Methodological Considerations

• In Event: 68.016 - Designing and Assessing Learning in Digital Environments

Abstract

Since 2007, teacher candidates (TCs) have engaged in clinical simulations with standardized individuals (e.g., standardized parents, students, paraprofessionals). Across 2,000 simulations, TCs routinely report anecdotal physiological data resulting from simulations (e.g., heart beating faster; perspiration). This methodological paper outlines the authors' formal investigation of TCs' physiological responses within single, and across a series of, clinical simulations. Methodological and design considerations are discussed, as the authors outline their collection of heart rate (HR), heart rate variation (HRV) and physical movement (PM) data for each TC's simulation. Implications center on the use of designed learning environments (i.e., simulations) to prepare TCs for the stressors associated with novice teaching.

Authors

• Benjamin H. Dotger, Syracuse University

• Kevin Heffernan, Syracuse University

• Tiago Barreira, Syracuse University