Learning for college students often comes within the isolated confines of their own programs. But this weekend, students from five Lethbridge College programs will need to learn to work together as they attend to a simulated emergency event.
More than 145 participants will be involved in the annual Simulated Learning Incident for Collaboration and Knowledge (SLICK) emergency exercise on Saturday. Students from the Bachelor of Nursing, Criminal Justice – Policing, Digital Communications and Media, Emergency Medical Technician, and Practical Nursing programs will take part in the intensive scenario. Past scenarios have included stabbings, out-of-control house parties and fatal car crashes.
“The SLICK mass casualty event is an incredible inter-professional learning opportunity for students to engage with other disciplines in the same way they will when they enter the workforce,” says Laura Vogelsang, Associate Dean, Centre for Health and Wellness. “For the most part, students only take classes with peers in their same program. The SLICK experience is a chance for students to see how their professional role fits within the bigger picture and to develop skills such as role clarification, team functioning and collaborative leadership.”
Students will have no prior knowledge of the scenario they will face and will have to respond in real time. These conditions force them to rely on their knowledge and training, just as they will have to on the job as police officers, nurses, emergency responders and members of the media.
“This annual event is a great opportunity for students to come together for an incredible day where, in the span of a few hours, they get a snapshot of what their future career may look like,” says Kris Hodgson-Bright, School of Media and Design chair. “Being under the pressure of time helps students react much more quickly than they may experience with classroom assignments. This event makes learning come alive.”
Adding a new element to this year’s exercise is a focus on vulnerable populations. Students from the college’s Pride Club and English as a Second Language programs will participate as volunteers, to help put an emphasis on issues such as inclusivity, communication issues and gender pronoun use.
"Scenario-based learning is exciting and challenging for the learner and is a powerful teaching technique,” says David Maze, Justice Studies instructor. “This learning environment can be used for expressing or arousing emotions, negotiation and persuasion in which the roleplay may alter attitudes or behaviours and provide alternative ways of dealing with situations.”
The scenario will take place from 11 a.m. to noon in the Cave in the college’s Centre Core.
For more information on the Bachelor of Nursing, Criminal Justice – Policing, Digital Communications and Media, Emergency Medical Services and Practical Nursing programs, visit Lethbridge College’s programs page.