A cross‐faculty simulation model for authentic learning

This paper proposes a cross‐faculty simulation model for authentic learning that bridges the gap between short group‐based simulations within the classroom and longer individual placements in professional working contexts. Dissemination of the model is expected to widen the use of authentic learning approaches in higher education (HE). The model is based on a cross‐faculty project in which UK HE students acted as professional developers to produce prototype educational games for academic clients from other subject areas. Perceptions about the project were obtained from interviews with project participants. The stakeholders believed the cross‐faculty simulation to be a motivating learning experience, whilst identifying possible improvements. To evaluate whether the authenticity of the student–client relationship could be improved, the interview data were compared to four themes for authentic learning described by Rule in 2006. The data supported Rule’s themes, whilst highlighting the added value gained from meta‐awareness of the simulation as a learning opportunity

Role-play for medical students learning about communication: Guidelines for maximising benefits

BACKGROUND: Role-play is widely used as an educational method for learning about communication in medical education. Although educational theory provides a sound rationale for using this form of simulation, there is little published evidence for its effectiveness. Students' prior experiences of role-play may influence the way in which they engage in this method. This paper explores students' experiences with the aim of producing guidelines for maximising the benefits of role-play within this learning context. METHODS: First-year undergraduate medical students participated in a role-play session as part of their communication programme. Before and after the session, students completed questionnaires. In the pre-session questionnaire, students were asked about their experiences of role-play and asked to identify helpful and unhelpful elements. Immediately after the session, students answered similar questions in relation to the role-play activity they had just completed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data and qualitative data was thematically analysed. RESULTS: 284 students completed evaluation forms. Although 63 (22.2%) had prior unhelpful experiences, most students (n = 274; 96.5%) found this experience helpful. Summary findings were that students reported the key aspects of helpful role-play were opportunities for observation, rehearsal and discussion, realistic roles and alignment of roles with other aspects of the curriculum. Unhelpful aspects were those that evoked strong negative emotional responses and factors that contributed to a lack of realism. CONCLUSION: Role-play was valued by students in the acquisition of communication skills even though some had prior unhelpful experiences. Guidelines for effective role-play include adequate preparation, alignment of roles and tasks with level of practice, structured feedback guidelines and acknowledgment of the importance of social interactions for learning

Étude de la contamination ionique dans les séparateurs électro-magnétiques d'isotopes. Application à la production d'isotopes de haute pureté

The magnetic analysis of the ionic component of contamination in an electromagnetic isotope separator, is made through the use of the second stage of a double magnetic deflection isotope separator. The study shows that, besides gas scattering, a non negligible part of contamination is due to low-energy ions. These phenomena account for a large part of the asymmetry of contamination which is very generally observed in isotope separators. Some methods for improving the performance of existing machines are suggested.L'analyse de la composante ionique de la contamination, dans un séparateur électromagnétique d'isotopes, est effectuée à l'aide du deuxième étage d'un séparateur à double déviation magnétique. L'étude fait apparaitre, outre les ions diffusés, une contribution qui peut être importante due à des ions ayant un défaut d'énergie. On explique ainsi, pour une grande part, l'asymétrie de la contamination généralement constatée et l'on indique quelques procédés permettant d'améliorer les performances des appareils existants

A Computational Network Model for Shared Mental Models in Hospital Operation Rooms

This paper describes a network model for mental processes making use of shared mental models (SMM) of team performance. The paper illustrates the value of adequate SMM’s for safe and efficient team performance. The addressed application context is that of a medical team performing a tracheal intubation executed by a nurse and a medical specialist. Simulations of successful and unsuccessful team performance have been performed, some of which are presented. The paper discusses potential further elaborations for future research as well as implications for other domains of team performance