In an article for The Conversation, Matthew Pearson (Carleton University) makes the case for using simulations to help journalism students develop trauma-aware interview skills. Pearson asserts that students should receive trauma training while in journalism school, given that even early-career journalists are likely to encounter sensitive topics and situations. The author identifies simulation exercises as a useful mechanism for allowing students to practice their interview skills in a low-stakes environment and describes how he integrated simulations into his courses. After completing the course, many students expressed greater levels of confidence and demonstrated that they understood the importance of research, transparency, and informed consent in their journalism practice.
