Learning by means of simulation has become a  staple of training for a number of highly important jobs in a variety of industries. Simulation allows learners to interact and experience situations virtually, thoroughly preparing them for different scenarios and bridging the gap that exists between study and actual execution.

All things considered,  wouldn’t the incorporation of situational simulation provide a great benefit for language learners?

The fact is, language is complex, and no matter how much knowledge you can attain through reading or assimilation, the real challenge exists in putting it to use in real life situations. Sure, you can learn foreign words and basic language concepts through fill in the blank exercises and connecting pictures to vocabulary, but how do these practices help learners when it comes to application? The truth is, these methods should be mere pieces to the constructs of a language teaching method rather than the foundation.

Think about learning a language in comparison to driving a car. You can learn how to read, write and comprehend a language, just like you can learn how to start, steer and mind traffic laws, but there is no substitute for actually driving on the highway. Situational simulation has the ability to place students in the driver’s seat and assure them that they not only understand language, but that they’ll know how to use it when the time comes.