A systematic scoping review and textual narrative synthesis of physical and mixed‐reality simulation in pre‐service teacher training

Abstract Background Due to recent lockdown conditions, which restricted opportunities for face‐to‐face contact and the ability to be physically in schools, the need for novel, safe ways to train pre‐service teachers emerged even more pressingly. Whilst virtual simulation has received some attention in pedagogy and its benefits have been demonstrated in many disciplines, there appears to be less synthesized evidence on the use of physical and/or mixed‐reality simulation utilized in teacher training. Objectives The goal of this systematic scoping review was to summarize and synthesize the literature on the use of physical and/or mixed‐reality simulation in pre‐service teacher training. Methods A systematic scoping literature review combined with a textual narrative synthesis was undertaken. Ten reference databases were searched in May 2020: Academic search premier, CINAHL, Education Research Complete, Humanities International Complete, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, PsycInfo, Teacher Reference Center, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus. Results and Conclusions Following inclusion/exclusion criteria assessment and screening, 13 articles were included for appraisal and synthesis. Seven papers examined physical simulations, while the remainder examined mixed‐reality simulations. The evidence from this review suggests that simulation, including physical and mixed‐reality types, could be used as a tool to increase confidence, self‐efficacy, classroom management skills and communication. Implications In comparison to other fields (e.g., nursing, medicine and aviation) simulation in education appears to be in its infancy—more large‐scale research is needed. At the same time, this review indicates that mixed‐reality simulation in particular has the potential for contributing to teacher education, because it offers the potential for learning in various contexts when compared to traditional didactic teaching practices.