Did You Hear Me? The Effects of Live Simulated Environment on the Active Listening Skills of Instructional Leaders
Jana Sparks, Kate Simmons & Sara Bicard
Abstract
Instructional leaders are challenged with numerous expectations, pressures and job responsibilities on a daily basis. It is getting more difficult for Instructional Leadership (IL) programs to prepare candidates with limited time and resources. Virtual simulations can bridge that gap between book knowledge and skill-based practices. This study explores the use of virtual simulations in enhancing the active listening skills among five graduate IL candidates at a large rural southeastern university. This study finds the value in implementing Virtual Environments to a Master’s level IL program. Eighty percent of the participants were successful in defining active listening and had little to no difficulty in utilizing rephrasing skills during the simulation.