Bridging the theory-practice gap in teacher education: The design and construction of simulation-based learning environments

Abstract

Clinical simulations have recently been presented as a promising instructional strategy to overcome the theory-practice gap in teacher education. Taking this into account, this chapter aims to enhance insight into the core ideas underlying the design and construction of simulation-based learning environments. For this purpose, this chapter first presents a general design framework. Next, the construction process and two prototypes of simulation-based learning environments in the context of parent-teacher communication-an online and a face-to-face prototype-are described. A pilot implementation of the prototypes reflects a positive student appreciation with a slightly higher appreciation for the face-to-face prototype. The chapter concludes by discussing implications for future teacher education programs and research.