The role of simulation training in learning and development programs
Most people have experienced that a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge works much better than age-old textbook knowledge.
When there is a perfect balance between imparting knowledge theoretically and implementing it practically, one can rest assured that the individual is provided with a holistic learning approach.
One way organizations can ensure that their employees are provided with a holistic learning opportunity is by incorporating simulation training into their learning and development programs. So, what is simulation training? Simulation training is a part of immersive learning, which provides learners with hands-on knowledge about different subjects.
While simulation training has been used for years in the aviation and military sectors, its introduction in other industries is relatively new. Nonetheless, the impact of this new learning technique has compelled every industry to embrace change and incorporate it into their learning and development programs.
If you want to know more about simulation training and the different industries that can benefit from it, this article is for you.
What is simulation training?
If you have ever been to a gaming arena, you must have played racing games where you have a steering wheel and accelerator that replicate the experience of driving a car. Don’t these games make you feel like you are in a real racing environment, enabling you to have realistic experiences?
The idea of simulation training is the same, but the only difference is that the sessions aim to impart knowledge to the learners and enhance their skills. When organizations introduce simulation training, their goal is to replicate real-life work processes, scenarios, tasks, and tools, which allows employees to practice their skills in a controlled and safe environment.
These training sessions have zero risks involved, which makes them a great solution for honing practical skills and preparing oneself for real-world situations without any physical danger.
In this current age of uncertainty, having a foolproof business plan that will continue to reap positive results is very beneficial. One such way to do this is by empowering your employees with the advantages of simulation training.
Which industries can benefit from simulation training?
Simulation training can benefit almost every industry as it allows employees to have “close to real” experiences that help them tackle situations in their workplace with confidence and wisdom. However, there are four major industries that can largely benefit from simulation training:
Healthcare
Healthcare is an industry where there is no room for error since a single mistake can cost a human life. So, if you are in charge of creating learning and development programs for the healthcare sector, incorporating simulation training is a great idea.
Imagine the risk involved if the healthcare provider were to look at the live demonstration of a surgery a few times and directly perform it on a patient. Not only is this impractical, but a tiny mistake will cause a loss of life. Hence, in this case, simulation training can be used to replicate a surgical procedure that involves zero risk, in which the surgeon can practice the surgery before performing it on a patient. Moreover, after the procedure is completed, relevant feedback can be provided to the surgeon to help them refine their existing skills and knowledge.
Business and Management
Any industry that deals with a lot of clients can benefit from simulation training. Take, for example, the sales team of a retail business and the problems they commonly face. The employees in the sales department of any organization have to think on their feet and come up with instant and convincing answers that will help persuade potential customers. However, without practicing the skill in a controlled environment, it is impossible to confidently pitch what they have to offer in a real-life situation.
Hence, in this situation, simulation training comes in very handy. These training programs can help sales representatives experience real-life scenarios without putting the business’s reputation at stake. Moreover, simulation training and immersive learning can also be very beneficial for the customer service department, where your representatives can be given hands-on training to address the grievances of the customers effectively.
Aviation Industry
The aviation industry has been using simulation training for years to train pilots. However, this technology can also be used to train flight attendants and air traffic controllers. Since aviation is another such industry where even a tiny mistake can cost hundreds of lives, it is important to offer professionals proper training to ensure that they are experienced enough to handle situations that require presence of mind and prompt actions.
Academic Sector
Simulation training is very beneficial in the academic sector as well. When students are provided with a learning environment that prioritizes the perfect balance between theoretical classes and hands-on practical knowledge, they enter the real work environment with a lot of experience in hand. Moreover, these programs also help trainers brush up on their soft skills, equip them to handle conflicts, and easily teach complicated topics to the students.
The advantages of incorporating simulation training into your L&D program
Simulation training is of great benefit when one keeps in mind the best practices while incorporating them into their learning and development programs. So, let us look at some of the benefits of simulation training when implemented the right way:
Easy Retention of Knowledge
One can’t emphasize enough the importance of hands-on practical training to help individuals retain what they have learned in the training program. When your organization’s L&D program incorporates simulation training as an essential part of its curriculum, the employees get the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a realistic environment.
Moreover, these training programs also help individuals get instant performance feedback, which helps fill up any unnoticed knowledge gap. For instance, if you are incorporating simulation training to refine the soft skills of your sales executives, you can observe their interaction with a potential customer in a controlled environment and offer them real-time feedback on what they can do to make their pitch more persuasive.
Improves Decision-Making Ability
When you incorporate simulation training into your programs, you have already introduced your employees to a close-to-real-life situation and what they must do in case they encounter a conflict. This experience enhances their decision-making skills and allows them to use their practical knowledge in real-life scenarios.
Boosts Confidence
Placing an individual in an environment that is completely new to them can make them feel under confident. As mentioned above, when a healthcare provider is given simulation training before practicing a major operation on a real human being, they understand the course of action they are required to take. This gives them a sense of confidence when they are ultimately performing the surgery in real life.
Ready to incorporate this technology into your L&D programs?
Today, when each industry is looking for ways to improve its learning and development programs, simulation training has become a revolutionary advancement. The experience of simulation training helps individuals get a taste of real-life scenarios, allowing them to resolve conflicts and challenges with ease.
So, if you haven’t yet incorporated this technology into your L&D programs, it is time to reconsider your decisions.
