Student Competency and Critical Thinking, Why Students Learn Better through Simulation

Shannon Packard, RN, BSN, MSNSimulation Coordinator

Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions

Using scenarios in competency training

• Setting learning objectives to achieve competency– KISS– Less is more– Allow student/staff needs to guide

• Integrating tasks and skills into scenarios– Embed skills– Allow assistance to be sought

• Various approaches to teaching with scenarios to meet learning objective

Using scenarios in competency training

• Various approaches to teaching with scenarios to meet learning objective– Simple scenarios for purpose of task training– Complex scenarios for exposure to clinical

situations– Common situations with embedded skills for

competency and critical thinking development– Pre-programmed scenarios for meeting multiple

curriculum objectives

Engaging the entire group

• Taking roles• Observing • Video Streaming to large groups• Simulation through distance education

Debriefing beyond reflection

• Reflection • Addressing objectives • Going beyond to increase critical thinking

Questions