The benefits of hands-on experience when learning a specific task have been well-documented for many years. In fact, famous psychologists including Jean PiagetKurt Lewin and John Dewey all advocated for experiential learning, beginning in the 1950s.

However, if we want to get technical, learning by doing has been a topic of conversation since 350 BC, when Aristotle said: “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them”.

It’s long been accepted and supported that real-life problem solving and hands-on training are highly beneficial for individuals who are working on developing a skill.

Fast forward to today, where new technology exists to make training scenarios more dynamic, accessible, and measurable, and suddenly the benefits of simulation training become even more undeniable.

In fact, in a study by the National Training Laboratories, it was determined that passive learning methods like lectures are actually the least effective approaches to teaching, while participatory methods like group discussions and hands-on practice yield much better results.

The retention rates determined via the study were summarized in an illustration known as “The Learning Pyramid”, displayed below:

The Learning Pyramid

So, why is it that simulation based learning is so much more effective than traditional training? And how can business owners incorporate more of it into their workplaces?

We’ve broken the answers down into clear, concise data so you don’t have to!

Let’s get to it.

THE ISSUE WITH TRADITIONAL TRAINING

The age-old method of having one trained professional teach a group of students by standing in front of a room and reciting heaping amounts of information simply does not result in high retention rates.

In fact, a recent study showed that undergraduate students in classes with traditional stand-and-deliver lectures were 1.5 times more likely to fail than students in classes that used more stimulating, active learning methods.

This is because the traditional training approach does not provide learners with an interactive learning experience. It relies on memorization, and forces an entire group of people to learn the same way – by listening.

This blanket approach is not only misguided, but it leaves high numbers of students feeling as though they haven’t absorbed the information they are required to know.

Why does this happen? One obvious cause is that only 30 percent of the human population are auditory learners, while the rest benefit more from visual learning or kinesthetic learning (hands-on engagement with an activity).

These statistics show that a more immersive, multi-faceted approach to learning is required in order for students and trainees to thrive.

HOW SIMULATIONS SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Simulations are controlled scenarios that are designed to mimic the real-life situations a student or employee will inevitably encounter once they begin working with their skills.

Because they require problem-solving, quick thinking, teamwork, and active participation, simulations are the perfect way for trainees to reap the full rewards of learning by doing.

Some benefits of simulation-based learning include:

  1. CONTROL

Educators can create replications of high-risk or hazardous working environments without having to worry about employee safety. Scenarios can be adjusted on-the-fly by educators as well (while students are engaged with the learning exercise) to help them understand how to adapt to unexpected challenges. These types of control elements provide a real-time learning environment that isn’t possible with traditional training.

  1. FEEDBACK

Unlike in a traditional classroom setting, learners who participate in simulations are able to immediately receive information about the consequences of their actions, as well as their success. If an error is made, the simulation can be manipulated so as to mimic what would happen in a real-life scenario. 

For example: In an emergency room simulation, a nursing student might see their patient go into anaphylactic shock if they do not administer Epinephrine within the allotted time period. This would provide them with an immersive experience that demonstrates the consequences of their misstep.

  1. CUSTOMIZATION

Lastly, simulations can be customized in just about any way imaginable. They can be created for just about any industry, and designed to mimic an endless amount of workplace scenarios.

Additionally, simulations can be tailored based on your learners’ level of experience. Educators can create three separate learning experiences, one for beginners, one for intermediate level learners, and one for experts, should they choose.

This allows trainees to develop their problem-solving and working knowledge over time, setting a strong foundation before more advanced techniques are introduced.

HOW REACH CAN BRING SIMULATIONS TO YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION

Reach is an eLearning software solution that incorporates simulations into an easy-to-use and convenient cross-platform app. 

We make all of your training materials, lessons, and educational tools available to your learners, allowing them to access everything they need from wherever they are.

Our platform can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet, or computer, and enhances the learning experience of your students. We do this by incorporating gamification mechanics and simulation-based learning directly in our app. 

Your learners simply have to log in from their device, access their individual learning portal, and begin participating in dynamic and immersive training exercises!

Pretty amazing, right?

We couldn’t agree more.