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.