Groundbreaking Curriculum

One of the most unique aspects of the STEPS minor blueprint is that it introduces a groundbreaking approach to education, characterized by a student-centric, flexible, and experiential learning and assessment model.

With competency based education and experiential learning theories at its core, the STEPS minor blueprint will be purposefully designed to be effective and fitting with both internal and external contexts, as well as evolving job markets. This will enhance the likelihood of achieving educational objectives and contributing to the ongoing advancement of effective teaching and learning practices, and most importantly preparing workers ready to contribute to new and exciting jobs.

Competency-Framework

Competency frameworks are systematic structures that outline the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for individuals to excel in a specific role, profession, or field. They provide a foundation for designing education, training, assessment, and professional development programs. Widely utilized in fields like healthcare, education, management, and technical industries, competency frameworks ensure that professionals achieve consistent and recognized standards.

In the context of Simulation Operations Specialists, no evidence-based competency frameworks currently exist. To address this gap, we developed a comprehensive framework through rigorous scholarship and stakeholder consultations. This framework serves as the foundation for the STEPS minor program blueprint, ensuring that every course and activity is explicitly aligned with its competencies.

Competency-Based Curriculum

The STEPS minor blueprint is proposed to shift from traditional instruction to competency-based learning (CBE), emphasizing skill demonstration over time-based learning. CBE ensures that students achieve predefined competencies before entering the workforce. Within the STEPS , CBE will enable personalized learning paths aligned with varying expertise levels. CBE's emphasis on real-world application enhances immediate employability and on-the-job productivity, underscoring its relevance in the dynamic healthcare industry.

Assessment Framework

An assessment framework is a systematic approach to evaluating knowledge, skills, and abilities. It defines the tools, methods, and criteria used to assess learners across various contexts—including courses, simulations, and work placements—ensuring consistency, validity, and reliability. Such frameworks are essential in educational programs to guarantee alignment between assessments and intended competencies.

Our program employs a comprehensive assessment strategy that integrates traditional knowledge assessments, simulation-based examinations, and direct observations within work-integrated learning (WIL) environments.

Pipeline Program

A pipeline program is an educational or training initiative designed to establish a structured pathway for individuals to advance through successive stages of education and career development. These programs aim to guide participants through various phases of learning, skill acquisition, and career readiness.

In our project, the pipeline program begins with high school students, leveraging Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) pathways, as well as external certifications and placements. After graduation, students can continue their training as Simulation Operations Specialists by enrolling in the STEPS minor at Ontario Tech University. The program also extends to post-graduate opportunities, offering career and professional development through graduate degrees, diplomas, or certificate programs in collaboration with our partners.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

A unique aspect of this program is that it will be designed through a rigorous, scholarly design process with continuous input from stakeholders and end users. An iterative design method process will be employed, with a unique focus on pre-implementation considerations. As a first-of-its-kind program, with only 14 similar programs offered globally, all of which are at graduate or professional development level targeting practicing healthcare professionals, the development process emphasizes the importance of a scholarly approach. Specifically, the STEPS program blueprint will be developed based on a hybrid methodological framework combining the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Design-Based Research (DBR) frameworks. This dual framework synergizes rigorous scientific methodology with iterative, user-focused design. In this context, the MRC framework provides a structured approach for developing evidence-based interventions, ensuring clinical relevance and effectiveness. Simultaneously, DBR facilitates ongoing refinement through iterative cycles, involving stakeholders to enhance user experience, program adaptability, and implementation-focused exploration of fit.

Groundbreaking Curriculum

Competency-Framework

Competency-Based Curriculum

Our Curriculum Blueprint 1.0

STEPS Minor Blueprint 2.0

Assessment Framework

Our Assessment Framework 1.0

Pipeline Program

Explore The High School Focussed Program Pipeline

RESEARCH DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Executive Summary

Groundbreaking Curriculum

Competency-Framework

Competency-Based Curriculum

Our Curriculum Blueprint 1.0

STEPS Minor Blueprint 2.0

Assessment Framework

Our Assessment Framework 1.0

Pipeline Program

Explore The High School Focussed Program Pipeline

RESEARCH DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Executive Summary

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