Learning Leadership Skills Through Simulations
Many would argue that the best way to learn is through experience. When you were younger and you needed to learn how to tie your shoes, the best way was to put on a pair of sneakers and practice lacing them up. Sure it took what felt like a hundred tries to get it down pat, but eventually you got it because of all the practice. If you wanted to learn to ride a bike without training wheels, you had to remove them and try your best to keep your bicycle balanced and upright. You were destined to fall several times, but that was part of the learning process. Merrill (2020) proclaims, "Making learning authentic allows students to 'learn by doing' instead of simply acquiring and retaining information." So as a future instructional leader, how can I learn authentically and practice decision-making and leadership skills before I am in an administrative role? Yes, I could be thrown into a position and learn on the job, similar to what I did with my Huffy bicycle when I was seven years old. Or I could use a wonderful piece of technology called simulations.
Simulations are digital learning experiences that mimic real-life situations. In one of my classes at the University of Montevallo, I was assigned several leadership simulations through SchoolSims. I was asked to complete simulations on topics like cyberbullying, social media, and tech tool implementation. Throughout these simulations, I had to make decisions in real time on hot-button issues with the information I was given. Each decision I made, good or bad, had consequences. I could continue down my path, or I could change my mind when new information came to light. At the end of each simulation, I was scored according to my answers and explanations for my answers. If I wanted to, I could go through the situation multiple times to see how my decisions would affect my students, teachers, fellow admin, parents, and community.
These assignments were eye-opening, realistic, and useful. I don't know of another way that I could gain the experience I received without any repercussions. As an aspiring instructional leader, I couldn't ask for anything better. Sure, when I was a child if I tied my shoes wrong I might trip and skin my knee. If I didn't keep my balance on my bicycle I was likely to get a bruise or two. But learning to lead while on the job, that is not something I could brush off or put a bandaid on. If you make a mistake as an administrator, it affects more than just yourself. One wrong decision could negatively affect an entire community. This is why I found these simulations to be so impactful during my coursework. A study conducted at the University of the West Indies by Paul T. Balwant found similar results. Balwant (2022) states in his study on teaching flexible leadership through simulations, "After completing the simulation and self-reflective essay, students' perceived ability to apply flexible leadership improved significantly, students became more introspective in their use of leadership styles, students showed heightened self-awareness regarding their use of flexible leadership, and students intended to use flexible leadership in real settings because they became more knowledgeable about its importance."
I am not a salesperson and in no way represent SchoolSims, but I would like to plug their tech because it is amazing. Check out the video below to get a look at how these simulations work.
If you're considering going into a leadership program or role, I would check out a few of these simulations to give yourself a few experiences to ensure you're making the best decision for you. These simulations are realistic, current, and more helpful than any worksheet you could do.
References:
Balwant, P. T. (2022). Teaching flexible leadership via an experiential learning exercise: A simulation and self-reflection. Journal of Education for Business, 97(8), 562–574. https://doi-org.ezproxy.montevallo.edu/10.1080/08832323.2021.2005511
Merrill, J., Merrill, K., & Miller, C. (2020). The interactive class: Using technology to make learning more relevant and engaging in the elementary class. ElevateBooksEdu.
On the job training can contribute to teacher burnout and attrition (Cohen et al., 2022). Simulations provide teachers a way to experience various scenarios that they may experience in the classroom. Sheninger characterized professional learning as both traditional and digital pathways (2019). Cohen et al. has learned that over the last past five years that novice teachers learn from practice (2022). Simulations not only will benefit the new teacher but also the experienced teacher.
ReplyDeleteSheninger, E. (2019). Digital Leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times(2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Cohen, J., & Wong, V. (2022, March 9). Using classroom simulators to transform teacher preparation. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/using-classroom-simulators-to-transform-teacher-preparation/
Tomeka Jones
I have also enjoyed the simulations used in the EDL 677 class. It was interesting to be able to try out different responses within each scenario. While the scenarios themselves dealt with serious issues, the ability to try out different responses made the experience less intimidating. I found I could better focus on reflecting on my actions through the simulations. Bailey et al. (2022) found that simulation practice can provide authentic leadership experiences, improve problem-solving abilities, build confidence, and bridge the gap between research and practice in educational leadership development.
ReplyDeleteThese simulations mimicked the authentic problems Sheninger (2019) speaks of, putting aspiring leaders into relevant real-world situations. Simulations also support the kind of professional learning opportunities that Sheninger characterizes as relevant to participants and hands-on.
References
Bailey, J., Kaiser, F., Thomas, C., Dillingham, S., Norwood, D., Smith, N., & Brown, A. (2022). The intersection of preparation and practice: School leadership learning through simulation. NASSP Bulletin, 106(3), 209-231.
Sheninger, E. (2019). Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times (2nd ed.). Corwin; International Center for Leadership in Education.
I have enjoyed the simulations as well this semester. I love being engaged during the learning process and making leadership decisions and getting feedback immediately is great too because I can reflect on my decision-making. Sheninger (2019) believes that simulations provide students with opportunities to engage in immersive. hands-on learning activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Throughout our simulations, we had to do all those skills Sheninger (2019) mentioned. Merrill (2020) states, "Making learning authentic allows students to 'learn by doing' instead of simply acquiring and retaining information. I agree with Merrill because I am a person who learns buy doing.
ReplyDeleteMerrill, J., Merrill, K., & Miller, C. (2020). The interactive class: Using technology to make learning more relevant and engaging in the elementary class. ElevateBooksEdu.
Sheninger, E. (2019). Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times (2nd ed.). Corwin.
I really enjoyed the simulations as well! It was a great starting point for leadership experience. Bailey et al. (2022), discusses how simulations can authentic practice in leadership skills and build confidence. Sheninger (2019), discuses how simulations can be great practice for those who are not quite ready to do it in real life yet. Simulation provide a safe environment for practice.
ReplyDeleteBailey, J., Kaiser, F., Thomas, C., Dillingham, S., Norwood, D., Smith, N., & Brown, A. (2022). The intersection of preparation and practice: School leadership learning through simulation. NASSP Bulletin, 106(3), 209-231.
Sheninger, E. (2019). Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times (2nd ed.). Corwin; International Center for Leadership in Education.