Gersten Jonker

Simulation at the frontier of the ZPD   99 4 After the scenario Most students felt a sense of relief at the end of the scenario, especially if they felt uncertain or stuck. If it went that badly, then [the end of the scenario] felt like a kind of relief. Like being put out of my misery. (P4) I felt relieved. I was thinking, “Alright, I can’t think of anything else to do!” (P11) All students found the short personal debriefing sessions after each scenario crucial to their learning, especially the “immediate” and “to-the-point” nature. They appreciated the constructive feedback in that not just the mistakes but also the correct actions were highlighted. This was helpful in regaining self-confidence. In addition, participants regarded being able to vent emotions, “to let off steam,” in a safe and nonjudgmental environment as valuable. You only learn from mistakes if you get the correct answer later, or if you can discuss it. Without that debriefing, the simulation would be much less useful. (P4) I am very good at recalling what went wrong, even though there were also things that did go well. It is nice that that is being pointed out. (P6) Motivation to Learn The simulation pretest reinforced students’ orientation toward acute medicine, and students did not experience being unfit for this domain. Students felt more aware of the short-term and long-term challenges ahead and were motivated to improve upon themselves. It reinforced my aspirations. This is what I want to excel in, so I’d better put in some effort now, because I want to do better than I did today. (P3) As a resident in – say – cardiology, being called for a resuscitation, you could easily make the same mistakes. . . . Only with more responsibility. . . . I want to have the skills to do it well. It is such a weird idea that it actually happens: People with my current competence level ending up in real situations like these. (P7) I was a little frustrated, because you know you will fail. But it was also rather nice, as it provided me with another goal to work toward. (P1)