Simulation Game in Quasi-Professional Training of Pre-Service Teachers

Abstract

The relevance of the study lies in the need to highlight the problem of using simulation games in the quasi-professional training of pre-service teachers, bringing the educational process closer to the teachers’ real working conditions. The purpose of this paper is to cover the method of using simulation games and its various techniques in the quasi-professional training of pre-service teachers while studying psychological and pedagogical disciplines and to investigate the attitude and level of motivation of pre-service teachers towards the use of simulation games in training for professional activities. Theoretical methods (analysis, synthesis, comparison) were used to examine the problem in the psychological and pedagogical literature, clarify the nature and features of the process of training pre-service teachers for professional activities using simulation games, as well as empirical methods (questionnaires, observations, expert assessments, self-assessment) which were used to investigate the attitude and level of motivation of pre-service teachers towards the use of simulation games in training for professional activities. This paper article presents the structure of the simulation game and methods of working with the simulation game. The authors describe the advantages and disadvantages of using the simulation game in training of preservice teachers in higher education. The results of students’ survey on the specific features of organising simulation games and increasing their efficiency are presented: students’ attitude towards the use of simulation games in the educational process and the degree of activity of pre-service teachers in organising simulation games. The study confirmed that the use of simulation games in the quasi-professional training of pre-service teachers contributes to the effective formation of professional competence of pre-service teachers and forms a positive attitude towards the teaching profession, enhances learning interests and students’ interest in future professional activities. The paper shows that most students are interested in simulation games and believe that participation in simulation games has a positive effect not only on learning, mood, and relationships of students, but also plays a considerable role in their professional development. The practical significance of the study is to give examples and recommendations for the use of simulation games while studying psychological and pedagogical disciplines, as well as to outline the subject and social contexts of educational activities of future teachers