Quickly Train Leaders with Simulation-Based Experiential Learning

How Can Educators Improve Their Leadership Skills?

Today’s school leaders are being asked to shoulder increasing responsibilities in running successful, efficient, and welcoming institutions of learning. They’re expected to successfully manage their school’s organization, develop a positive learning environment, and promote student learning. 

Because of their many daily responsibilities, they can find themselves walking away from a conversation with a student, staff member, parent, or peer considering what they could have said or done differently to feel more positive and successful about the interaction.  

This reflection is healthy and should be part of every leader’s continuous improvement work. However, feelings and thoughts of regret can linger, knowing that the interactions weren’t as effective as they would have liked.  

Two things stand out about these moments of reflection:

1. All too often, leaders remain isolated as they consider different approaches or lessons learned from the interactions, leaving them to be their own coach and all too often their own worst critic.
2. Though leaders may be able to identify what they would like to correct, they’re unable to be purposeful in identifying how to actually create the change and improvement they wish to see.  

But experiential learning can give educators the opportunity to learn new skills, be more reflective, and can minimize some of the drawbacks that come with learning by experience alone. 

What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning provides a series of simulations that mirror the interactions faced by leaders on a daily basis, providing the value of practice and reflection to help inform future interactions.

These simulations immerse leaders in a virtual environment that utilizes avatars, blending AI and human-powered simulation specialists to ensure an optimal learning experience. The simulations are specifically designed to tackle difficult and high-stakes conversations that are common in today's schools (Brown, B. & Bramstedt, S., 2023).

This process emphasizes the importance of purposeful practice along with targeted feedback and coaching. This approach allows the learner to focus on areas that have been identified as opportunities for improvement, either by themselves or by those who support them.

Developing Leadership Skills Through Safe Practice

When leaders practice difficult conversations for the first time with actual stakeholders, the cost of missteps is high. A poorly handled conflict resolution can damage team dynamics. Ineffective feedback delivery can harm employee morale, and failed attempts at building buy-in for change initiatives can create lasting resistance.

But what if leaders can have those same conversations in a zero-risk setting? That safe space is possible with simulation training because it creates a controlled environment where leaders can practice critical skills without real-world consequences. Participants engage with realistic scenarios involving trained facilitators who respond as various stakeholders would in actual situations.

How Simulation Training Supports Educator Effectiveness

Simulation training capitalizes on the benefits of experiential learning. This training provides true-to-life scenarios for participants to practice, allowing for the application of knowledge and skills gained through the learning process.

The arrival and evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports the development of truly authentic and engaging simulation training, which is now being used by people from all walks of life and professional backgrounds.

As noted by the Association for Experiential Education, experiential learning leverages the following principles:

• Participants learn when experiences are supported by reflection, analysis, and synthesis.
• Participants engage intellectually, emotionally, socially, and/or physically, creating the perception that the learning task is authentic.
• Participants engage in meaning-making by posing questions, being curious, solving problems, and being creative.
• Participants' learning forms the basis for future experience and growth.
• Participants learn from natural consequences, mistakes, and successes.

The Kolb Experiential Learning Theory provides a framework to capitalize on these principles, making it the perfect companion for those engaged in effective continuous improvement processes.

First, learners independently participate in a hands-on experience. Next, they reflect on the experience with a peer, mentor, or coach. Then, they process their learning and reflections to plan for the next steps of growth. Finally, they put their plan into action, applying their learning in their day-to-day interactions and responsibilities.

This cycle of learning and continuous improvement ensures that learners are challenged, supported, and encouraged to take the risks necessary to grow in their skills and aptitudes.

Feel Prepared for Your Toughest Conversations

Simulation training leverages experiential reality and provides users with targeted practice and feedback, leading to focused reflection and personalized growth. We believe it holds the key to enhancing our actions and decision-making without having to suffer through the real-world failures that we traditionally have to overcome.

Simulation training is a vital tool for supporting the growth and development of today’s school leaders. That’s why we partnered with Mursion to create the Experiential Reality Simulation & Coaching Series that lets leaders participate in live, realistic experiential reality simulations.  

Mursion has designed a series of leadership-focused simulations that include:

• Delivering sensitive feedback
• Building influence and buy-in for organizational change
• Reframing goal development
• Resolving work-related conflicts

These simulations are designed to intentionally develop targeted skills, create psychological safety, and provide the necessary realism that enables school leaders to truly immerse themselves in an experiential learning cycle.

Leaders, remember, you do not need all the answers, but you can get much closer by investing in the time, practice, feedback, and coaching through our simulation training. Take ownership of your leadership skills by contacting us today.