GlossaryGuide

Etym. simulation (n.) noun of action from past participle stem of simulare “imitate,” from stem of similis “like.” Meaning “a model or mock-up for purposes of experiment or training” is from 1954.

Etym. synthetic (adj.) 1690s, as a term in logic, “deductive,” from French synthétique (17c.) and directly from Modern Latin syntheticus, from Greek synthetikos “skilled in putting together, constructive,” from synthetos “put together, constructed, compounded,” past participle of syntithenai “to put together” (see synthesis). Related: Synthetical (1620s in logic).

Etym. learning (n.) Old English leornung “learning, study,” from leornian.

Etym. environment (n.) 1887, “environing, surrounding,” Ecological sense by 1967.

Definition

• The physical setting where simulation activities may take place, inclusive of the people and equipment that form part of the simulation experience.

• A location where a simulation-based learning experience takes place, and where a safe atmosphere is created by the facilitator to foster sharing and discussion of participant experiences without negative consequences.

• A context for learning that consists of a controlled and shielded representation of real-world situations, and a set of educational methods and procedures in which trainees feel simultaneously challenged and psychologically safe to practice and reflect on their performance (Rudolph et al., 2007).

• An atmosphere that is created by the facilitator to allow for sharing and discussion of participant experiences without fear of humiliation or punitive action.

• A setting, surrounding, or conditions that reproduce components or aspects of the real-world environment, for the purpose of learning and related activities, and/or research (Australian Society for Simulation in Healthcare).

See also: PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY