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Interactive Workshop

Clinical Practice

Simulation-based leaning with English as additional language(EAL)-speaking social work students

This interactive workshop examines challenges and opportunities in simulation-based teaching for EAL-speaking social work students. Committing to social justice and inclusivity, participants will critically analyze systemic barriers in simulations and explore strategies to create inclusive, equitable learning spaces that challenge monolithic norms of a "desirable" social worker.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
  1. Critically analyze the systemic and historical factors shaping EAL-speaking students’ experiences in simulation-based learning: Participants will examine how linguistic, psychological, cultural, and structural barriers—rooted in colonial and imperial histories—impact EAL-speaking social work students’ experiences in simulations.
  2. Theorizing and conceptualizing anti-oppressive and decolonial simulation-based teaching: Analyze how simulation-based learning can either challenge or reinforce Euro-Western norms, particularly in the experiences of EAL-speaking and culturally diverse students. Collectively envision ways to center anti-oppressive and decolonial principles in simulation design and facilitation.
  3. Designing and Implementing Actionable Pedagogical Strategies: Explore ethical and effective pedagogies that create inclusive and empowering simulation experiences for EAL-speaking students. Identify concrete, anti-oppressive and decolonial pedagogical strategies in simulation-based teaching.