Comparing Instructor-Led Versus Student-Led Simulation Facilitation Methods for Novice Nursing Students

•Facilitation methods influence learner satisfaction with simulation.•Novice learners preferred within-scenario feedback with postscenario debriefing compared with postscenario debriefing only.•A progression from instructor-led to student-led simulation may enhance learning.

BackgroundSimulation learning outcomes and learner satisfaction may be influenced by the facilitation methods employed. This mixed-methods study explored differences between instructor-led simulation with in-scenario feedback and postscenario debriefing and student-led simulation with postscenario debriefing only.MethodsNovice nursing students experienced both facilitation methods and completed (a) Health Assessment Educational Modality Evaluation Simulation Subscale, (b) Facilitation Style Preference Survey, and (c) multiple choice quiz, and provided qualitative feedback on what they liked/disliked about each facilitation style.ResultsNovice learners preferred instructor-led to student-led simulation (p < .001); there was no association between simulation facilitation methods and knowledge scores. Four main themes emerged: (a) guidance and clarification, (b) avoiding error reinforcement, (c) realism, and (d) collaborative problem solving.ConclusionInstructor-led simulation is the preferred facilitation method for novice nursing students; however, a progression from instructor-led to student-led simulation may enhance learning by providing increased autonomy as knowledge and confidence grow.