Simulation Training: Allowing Students to Fail Safely

Students are often greeted with a difficult task of transitioning from the classroom to the complex rigor of the real world. Unlike college, challenges are not presented in singular subjects. The real world is filled with issues and challenges mixed together requiring technical, analytical, and problem solving competencies. Combined with the dynamics of teamwork, many students find their first years of their careers to be an uphill battle. Recent efforts are being made to further develop problem solving, communication, and team building skills. The questions rise: How do we train problem solving, teamwork, and the ability to make quick decisions? Can we recreate the real world in our classrooms? All of these have driven educators around the globe to focus on recreating the real-world through simulations and experiential learning. Simulations can be in the form of role playing, case studies, competitions, and industry scenarios. This presentation will describe the success Coventry University, UK has had in building a simulation program. Purdue University has become a US partner with Coventry and is looking to expand the footprint of simulation training in the USA. This presentation is a case study of the program and overseas collaboration that both universities would like to share with other programs. Many of the best practices and lessons learned can be incorporated into any course or curriculum.