Computer-Supported Training of Psycho-Diagnostic Skills

This paper outlines and discusses a self-contained multimedia-training program on psychological diagnostics. The program aims to play an intermediate role between theory and working practice, while offering students a simulated environment to prepare for practical work with real humans. The program simulates the entire diagnostic cycle in convincing, authentic cases while offering extended support facilities. Design principles of the program strongly rest on theories of constructivism and experiential learning; it combines freedom of movement for the students to allow explorative learning strategies, while it offers extended and intelligent feedback facilities that comment on the students’ performances. The functional program design is presented and substantiated from a pedagogical perspective. Preliminary results of a survey amongst students are presented and discussed.