Understanding Mixed Reality Simulation as a Training Environment for Behavior and Special Education Knowledge and Skill Acquisition

Abstract

Concerningly, pre-service teachers might utilize practices during practicum and student teaching experiences in ways that are less than satisfactory, or even harmful, to students, peers, or mentors. Mixed reality simulation (MRS), an educational tool for practicing teaching skills, may be a warranted approach to field experience that limits wrongdoing. However, few studies have researched the impact and meaningfulness of MRS teaching experiences. Therefore, this study combined both survey results and interview findings to report the extent to which MRS might improve the knowledge and skills of pre-service educators and whether MRS was considered an appropriate field experience alternative. Within one simulated scenario design, participants (n = 94) were asked to engage five elementary-aged avatar students who presented challenging behaviors and asked questions or made comments about disability. Implications of findings are discussed in relation to mitigating common barriers of field experiences in higher education programs suggesting that, potentially, MRS may be an innovative way to respond to attrition concerns in the field of special education.