Increase your competence in the use of simulation as a learning method through the course Simulation-based learning at the University of Stavanger.
First published March 27, 2018. Text: Karoline Reilstad
The Faculty of Health Sciences has established a Master course in Simulation based learning (10 ECTS) which is unique among the Nordic countries. The course provides students with skills and expertise to think and collaborate beyond their own professions.
It is a pedagogically oriented course that examines concepts, theory, and pedagogy supporting the use of simulation in education, practice, and research. During the course, students will explore the value of applying simulation in higher education and professional practice, including the use of digital platforms and interprofessional simulation.
Interdisciplinary learning
Simulation can provide realistic training in all types of work situations. The advantage is that you can train in practice-near circumstances without exposing participants to risk.
Health professionals are well accustomed to this type of training, but the course also aims to be interesting for students in social sciences, hospitality and tourism, and natural sciences, says associate professor Dag Husebø at Uniped.
– You can simulate different work situations from meetings to challenging hotel guests. The learning method may be useful for, among others, social workers, sociologists, educators, and hotel employees, he adds.
The course aims to inspire students to collaborate beyond their professions.
Phases in simulation-based learning
In short, simulation is about creating a fictional, but realistic scenario where the participants preferably enter roles that they hold in reality. After the simulation, you have a debriefing where reflection is emphasized.
– Simulation is a good way to learn both individually and in teams. There is learning in all phases, from planning to debriefing, Husebø emphasizes.
– We also know that learning in simulation under given conditions can be transferred to practice.
As students progress through the course, they will be able to assess their own learning needs regarding simulation, plan and design, and conduct a simulation-based program.
– The students learn about theories, pedagogy, and educational principles in simulation-based learning. They will learn to apply that knowledge to increase competence in various settings, says course coordinator and associate professor Sissel E. Husebø.
Focus area at the university
The course has been developed in close collaboration between UiS, the simulation centre SAFER og Stavanger University Hospital (SUS).
The simulation course is also a natural part of the development of HelseCampus, a regional health cluster that aims to become the country's leading arena in simulation-based teaching and learning. It is also part of the work to strengthen research on simulation.
– By offering courses at the master's level, we hope to recruit more master's and doctoral candidates in simulation, says Husebø.
Open for individual course admissions
The course is offered in the autumn semester as an elective course for master's students but is also open for individual course admissions and international students. The teaching is in English.
Application via Søknadsweb opens June 15, with application deadline August 1. The first-come-first-served principle applies to admissions.
There is a requirement for a bachelor's degree for admission.
