Scripting Simulated Client Encounters

This chapter provides insight into how to script simulations in communication curricula. When scripting simulations, the aim is to be as realistic as possible, to the degree that is appropriate for learners based upon where they are at in the program, to maximize the learning that can be gained through immersion. This chapter encourages educators to draw upon various aspects of fidelity to create realistic simulated client encounters and provides many options for both case and character development. This chapter also tasks educators to consider what information to provide learners with, in advance of each simulated client encounter, and what kinds of special instructions or prompts to give to the actors, as needed. This chapter emphasizes that simulation design and delivery is a process and instructs the reader to approach simulation revision as one that would approach the peer review process for manuscript submission to scholarly journals. Welcoming frequent feedback in the form of constructive critiques will lead to enhanced simulation design, curricular goals, and learner outcomes.