Masters Thesis

A pilot study of simulated learning experiences: a comparison of social work students' engagement skills with high fidelity patients and standardized participants

Engagement skills are central to the practice of professional social work. These skills are taught through a variety of traditional teaching techniques. Recently, simulated learning has begun to build traction in schools of social work but has not yet infiltrated the standard pedagogical approach. This pilot project studied how Master of Social Work students’ engagement scores are impacted by simulated learning experiences using the four components of simulation: vignettes, patient type, engagement skills, and debriefing. This pilot program was a collaborative project between the nursing department and the Master of Social Work program at California State University, Stanislaus. Specifically, the research explored the relationship between engagement scores between high fidelity patients and standardized participants after engaging in a simulated learning experience. While the research indicated no statistical difference between patient type, this pilot program can be utilized to build further research as the data reflected positive scores for the students who participated. The implications of further research on simulated learning can shape social work curriculum, build interdepartmental collaboration amongst professionals, and create Competency Based Learning that standardizes social work education.

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