The Effects of Authenticity and Self-regulation: Comparing the Power of Innovative and Traditional Practical Simulations

• In Event: Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: Simulation and Technology

Abstract

Present study illustrates how adding authenticity and self-regulation to practical (i.e., not virtual) simulations stimulates students to develop vocational and generic skills crucial for their future profession. This is a challenge because practical simulations were traditionally developed to train specific and technical skills under strict guidance of instructors. Comparison of learning outcomes of 96 first-year Applied Biology students participating in an innovative (authentic and self-regulative) and traditional practical simulation showed that they gained 5 out of 6 vocational and generic skills. There were no differences between groups. Surprisingly, students in the traditional simulation scored higher on the transfer test and their simulation was perceived as more authentic than the innovative simulation. The discussion elaborates on possible explanations for the results.

Authors

• Anne Khaled, Wageningen University

• Judith Gulikers, Wageningen University

• Harm Biemans, Wageningen University

• Martin Mulder, Wageningen University