Simulation-Based Learning for Conveying Soft-Skills to XL-Classes

Soft skills have become more important in higher education in order to prepare students for employability in later career. In XL-Classes, the theoretical conveyance of soft skills to students presents a special challenge. One approach for the application of theoretically imparted knowledge in practice is the concept of simulation-based learning. Simulations have been used for a long time in a variety of disciplines, particularly in high-risk areas such as medicine, aviation and space industries, using virtual environments to prepare professionals for real life situations. The term ‘simulation-based learning’ is particularly used in medical education. Approaches of simulation-based learning are increasingly used by other disciplines in the context of higher education and the education of students. Based on a definition of the term ‘simulation-based learning’ a concept to convey soft skills in higher education courses is developed. A practical implementation of the concept is demonstrated in the paper by using it in the XL-Class “Communication and Organizational Development” for students in the bachelor programme Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. Here, the foundation of an enterprise in the automotive industry is simulated within 1.5 days. Key skills such as team building, time management and project management are applied, experienced and trained in the simulation. Overall, 600 students pass an organizational development process in which they establish a fictional automotive company with various departments, develop target systems as well as business strategies and construct an innovative car prototype. The basic knowledge for the realization of this task is mediated via microteaching units. Therefore the developed concept transfers soft skills knowledge to students by experiencing and training them in a simulated environment.