New case study: Using simulations to help students recognise common patterns

For those of you who have seen our DVD, Exploring Good Practice in Blended and Flexible Learning: The Practitioner's Voice, you'll recognise Chris Bushell who teaches in the Associate Degree Policing Practice (ADPP) and had the 'last word' on that video about designing for BFL: "You're only limited by your imagination". 

Well, Chris had a lot more to say than just that when we interviewed him...as did all the other Fellows we interviewed. We're slowly pulling together that footage into short (10-12 min) video case studies, supported by a PebblePad webfolio that outlines the project in a bit more detail, and offers resources for those who might want to follow in their footsteps.

In his case study, Chris talks about Dahl's (1951) notions of observation as a key ingredient in policing. He'd previously completed some excellent work creating filmed scenarios of policing incidents, and the students also act out roles in a live scenario village called Rossiville. 

However, once students entered the final distance component of their course, the linkages between theory and practice weren't as strong. So Chris created a simulation to help the students, then probationary officers, gain a better understanding of the realities of policing and, in particular, responding to domestic violence situations. It helps them recognise and practice patterns of actions that successfully resolve both volatile and sometimes fatal policing incidents.

The simulation has had positive responses from students who appreciated the ability to learn in a safe environment which also allowed them to repeatedly practice the simulation to improve their skills.

Take a look!