The Simulation Lab

Simulation involves students who interact with highly trained actors in scenarios often encountered by social workers in the field. This method enables students to build practice knowledge and skills in a safe, realistic setting prior to using them in real-life situations. Research has shown that simulation enhances education by providing both experience and opportunities for evaluation of the student’s performance. The resulting feedback helps students identify their areas of strength and weakness and to improve.

The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work will develop Canada’s first state-of-the-art simulation lab for social work, with the infrastructure to provide simulation-based education and assessment for social work students. The initiative involves converting existing physical space into eight interview rooms presenting typical settings. Each room will have built-in video recording equipment and a sound connection.

“We’ve demonstrated that teaching with simulation is an extremely potent way of increasing social work students’ ability to practice. An investment in the simulation labs and program will increase the Faculty’s ability to continue to educate highly effective social workers who will contribute to the well-being of Canadians.”

Professor Marion Bogo, Inaugural Sandra Rotman Chair in Social Work, 1998-2003