Theory and Simulation-Based Education: Definitions, Worldviews and Applications

Abstract

In this article, we introduce readers to the role of theories in simulation-based education. We discuss "theory" against a background of complex ways of thinking about the world. We present our notion of theory as a framework of ideas, which illuminates simulation-based educational practice. Theories are derived from, and resonate with, educators' worldviews. We offer a foreword to five articles in Clinical Simulation in Nursing that explore specific theories applied to simulation-based education. These frameworks challenge educators' thinking and practices. We have divided the article into three parts. In Part 1, we define theories and consider concepts of worldviews and two metaphors-of th..