Simulation in Higher Education Teaching: A pilot study on implementation and impact in dual study programs

Simulations are rarely used in university teaching due to their high cost. This article shows which success factors should be given for effective simulations in university teaching according to the current state of research. In addition, the results of a pilot study – a longitudinal design with four measurement points – on simulations in dual studies in social work for (N = 17) first semester students are presented. Complex, authentic problems with incomplete information were generated for the participants in the simulations. In addition, all simulations were followed by an immediate feedback and reflection phase. The empirical results of the students’ self-assessments provide initial evidence of the effectiveness of the feedback and reflection phase.