Institute of Education

Research & Expertise to Make a Difference in Education & Beyond

Exploring Simulation-based Techniques in Modern Learning

On May 15–19, IOE hosted a visit by Dr. Elyssebeth Leigh, a Professor in Education at the University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
 

With 30+ years’ experience in education scholarship and instruction, Dr. Leigh has primarily focused on designing and deploying simulation learning techniques in various academic and business settings. Elyssebeth has an outstanding track record of contributions including high-caliber corporate L&D projects, research papers, presentations, etc.

At IOE, Elyssebeth gave a series of workshops on a broad array of theoretical and applied aspects in present-day simulation learning. A special emphasis was made on best-practice approaches to more carefully and representatively evaluating target learner needs and expected outcomes as crucial for crafting more effective L&D strategies and instructional concepts. As part of the training agenda, workshop participants got a dynamic and highly engaging hands-on exposure to various game-based simulation methods alongside facilitation and reflection techniques.              

In the course of her visit, Dr. Leigh also delivered a lecture in the IOE-run Educational Administration Master’s programme and discussed today’s most pressing matters in international teaching and learning with the leadership of two Moscow high schools. 

 "

It’s been a pleasure lecturing and networking in a cozy and inspiring atmosphere of IOE. Our workshops have covered a variety of areas in simulation learning design and delivery, and I was delighted to see the audience take the most active part in the discussion – yet another confirmation of modern educators’ growing interest in mastering and putting to use cutting-edge instructional models.

Indeed, as the changing role of the teacher is now calling for deeper collaboration with the students and more of the facilitator function to nurture a proactive approach to knowledge and personality development, games and simulations become absolutely central to this new agenda of cooperative education. When implemented in an informed and creative manner, the simulation-based approach unlocks the best of children’s exploratory capacity boosting their information literacy, critical thinking and social skills as they benefit from multi-faceted interactions in the communication and learning process.


Dr. Elyssebeth Leigh, Professor, University of Technology Sydney