The SimLab: A model implementation of "practice before practicum" simulations for initial teacher education

Ann-Marie Gresele, Natasha Anne Rappa, Wade Ellis, Ellin Sears and Rachael Kostusik
Murdoch University, Australia

The Australian Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group (TEMAG) highlighted critical areas for improvement in teacher education, namely, effective pedagogies, assessment and feedback, classroom management, and collaborating with parents and the wider community. This paper describes one Australian university's implementation of a four-part continuum experience using simulations within a mixed reality learning environment to address these areas for improvement in the initial teacher education (ITE) program. We also discuss the theoretical foundations underpinning this implementation process. Our findings indicate the ITE simulation program represents one way to prepare reflective pre-service teachers (PSTs) with knowledge, skills and a flexible outlook when teaching in diverse schooling contexts. It identifies potential adjustment areas when implementing simulations for PSTs who have already grappled with the complexity of managing their classes in a real-world setting. It suggests further investigations into feedback mechanisms that support PSTs' positive transfer of learning are needed.
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Authors: Ann-Marie Gresele is the Lead Clinical Practitioner in the SimLab classroom at Murdoch University. She was a classroom teacher and, for nearly twenty years, an Education Placement School Experience Supervisor. Email: a.gresele@murdoch.edu.au Dr Natasha Anne Rappa (corresponding author) is an Associate Professor at Murdoch University. She holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield and an MA from the University of Michigan. Her research interests are in educational technology. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3217-0296 Email: n.rappa@murdoch.edu.au Mr Wade Ellis is a professional actor employed as the SimLab Coordinator, Scenario Creative Development and Simulation Interactor for Murdoch University. Email: wade.ellis@murdoch.edu.au Dr Ellin Sears is a practising artist within the fields of acting, directing, and choreography/ movement with a doctorate in creative media. Her research interests include the functions of musical theatre dance. She works as a Simulation Interactor at Murdoch University SimLab. Email: e.sears@murdoch.edu.au Ms Rachael Kostusik is an Applied Theatre and AI Technology Consultant with an MA (Research Training) in virtual and applied theatre pedagogy. She is a Research Associate and Teacher Education Placement Mentor (PBL and ICT) at Murdoch University. She has worked as a Simulation Interactor at Murdoch University SimLab. Email: R.Kostusik@murdoch.edu.au Please cite as: Gresele, A.-M., Rappa, N. A., Ellis, W., Sears, E. & Kostusik, R. (2025). The SimLab: A model implementation of "practice before practicum" simulations for initial teacher education. Issues in Educational Research, 35(4), 1511-1528. http://www.iier.org.au/iier35/gresele.pdf