The Benefits of Simulations in the Classroom

The concept of experiential learning is becoming increasingly widely used in classrooms, to drive knowledge retention rates that are around 85% higher when compared with traditional lesson plans.

This effective concept describes the process of learning by experience, utilizing hands-on methods and simulations to drive higher levels of engagement and motivation while providing understanding to support an underlying knowledge base.

In this post, we’ll explore the main benefits of using simulations in the classroom and ask why this method is becoming so incredibly popular?

#1. Classroom Simulations Deliver an Authentic Learning Experience

With traditional lesson plans and learning vehicles, it’s common for top-level information and data to be shared either verbally or in writing.

When utilising simulations, however, you’ll be able to understand how this knowledge can be applied effectively in the real world, creating a more authentic learning experience that benefits students significantly over time.

Ultimately, the best way to break down and comprehend complex protocols or scenarios is through simulation, which allows students to practice real-time responses and think more deeply about how theory can be applied in a realistic setting.

In simple terms, detailed and accurate simulations can effectively replicate corporeal events, compelling learner’s to build real life responses that can be taken forward in life. 

#2. Classroom Simulations Leverage Repetitive Learning

When dealing with complex subject matter (such as physics or advanced mathematics),  students can find it hard to build or retain knowledge within a short period of time.

In this case, it’s important to use materials or teaching methods that focus on repetition, ideally without causing students to lose interest or disengage with the content as it’s being taught.

In this respect, simply posing the exact same questions or reiterating identical responses is a completely ineffective approach, and one that fails to deliver any type of profound or extensive understanding.

However, simulations offer much greater value when driving repetitive learning. The main reason for this is simple; as simulations can repeat content and key messages in a more creative and immersive manner, without losing the interest of students or making them feel as though they’re trapped in an educational loop!

What’s more, simulations can provide a layered learning experience that combines verbal questioning and student participation. As a result, such a rich and diverse toolbox is highly engaging and capable of driving higher rates of knowledge retention over time.  

#3. Classroom Simulations Can be Personalised and Unique

As we’ve already touched on, classroom simulations can replicate a host of different and relevant scenarios to help continually teach concepts repetitively.

However, this represents just the tip of the iceberg when exploring the potential of classroom and educational simulations. 

In fact, simulations can also be adapted and personalised to suit the needs based on individual students, referring to their aptitude, previous academic grades and unique responses to tailored questions.

This is central to the widespread and fast-growing appeal of educational simulations, which can be deployed flexibly to ensure an optimal learning experience for every student regardless of their own unique circumstances.

When teaching practical skills and concepts over time, simulations can also be adjusted to reflect a student’s growing level of understanding and knowledge base. 

There are two obvious benefits to this. Firstly, students can be presented with specific simulations that enable them to learn from and process their mistakes, as they embark on a learning journey that delivers increasingly positive outcomes.

Secondly, simulations can be changed to focus on specific areas of the subject matter or topic in question, especially when dealing with multi-layered experiences that cover both practical and theoretical elements. 

So, if a student has embraced the theory behind a particular topic but continues to grapple with more practical elements, simulations can be customised to prioritise this type of learning.

#4. Classroom Simulations Utilize Advanced and Relevant Technologies

Contemporary simulations and experiential learning programs have been designed to integrate advanced and cutting-edge technologies, in order to deliver the most accessible and efficient learning experience imaginable.

Certain advanced technologies (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning) have laid the foundations for web-based simulations in higher education, which contribute to the type of personalised and agile learning experience described above.

Don’t only does this benefit individual students and their core learning journey, but it also allows for a greater understanding of the relationship between certain variables and how adjusting such variables can change outcomes.

The advanced and technical nature of simulation software also means that such programs can be easily integrated into existing Learning Management System (LMS), without causing too much hard work or significant challenges for administrators.

By utilizing advanced technologies and innovations (such as those discussed above), classroom simulations are able to provide access to much deeper learning and the far greater accumulation of crucial datasets.  

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The Edutech Post team offers news and reviews on edtech products for learners, parents, educators and edtech businesses. Their aim is to assist in making education accessible to all with the help of technology.