In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change, higher education—especially in business—faces a key challenge: preparing students not only to acquire technical knowledge but also to develop emotional maturity, autonomy, and human skills that allow them to navigate complex environments.
In this context, the role of the teacher has evolved. It is no longer enough to simply transmit information; the instructor must become a facilitator of integral growth, fostering maturity and autonomy. Business simulations, such as those offered by CompanyGame, are powerful tools to support this transformation.
The shift in higher education
Traditionally, university education focused on knowledge transmission, with the teacher as the central figure guiding, explaining, and evaluating. Today, approaches like andragogy and heutagogy place the student at the center of learning:
- Pedagogy: In the early stages of a program, the teacher acts as a guide, providing conceptual clarity and cognitive security. This foundation is essential in areas like accounting or economics.
- Andragogy: Inspired by Malcolm Knowles, this approach recognizes the student as an autonomous adult. The teacher becomes a facilitator, encouraging dialogue, practical application, and business simulations that foster metacognition and self-confidence.
- Heutagogy: Students design their own learning path. The teacher acts as a coach, promoting resilience, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
This progression is not strictly linear; it adapts to each student and program, resulting in teachers who support emotional processes while promoting autonomy.
Maturity and autonomy through self-management
Encouraging self-management of learning is key to student maturity. According to Albert Bandura, self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to achieve goals—is fundamental. Self-management links motivation, resilience, and integrity, preparing students for dynamic environments.
Teachers can foster it by:
- Promoting metacognitive reflection: Reflective journals or post-simulation debriefings help students identify strengths, limitations, and learning styles.
- Facilitating intentional planning: Guiding the creation of personal development plans with clear goals and adjustable strategies.
- Supporting emotional regulation: Turning frustration or uncertainty into learning opportunities strengthens resilience.
CompanyGame’s business simulations serve as ideal laboratories for this process, where students face real pressure, team conflicts, and decision-making, while instructors transform every interaction into deep learning.
The teacher in simulation environments: from instructor to coach
In simulations, the classroom becomes an emotional laboratory. The teacher’s role changes:
- Observer: Identifies behaviors, interactions, and emotional patterns.
- Facilitator: Connects emotions with actions and fosters empathy and metacognition.
- Coach: Provides personalized feedback, developing resilience and autonomy.
For example, when a team experiences failure in a simulation, the teacher does not solve the problem but asks: “What emotions influenced this decision? How can you adjust your approach next time?” This develops maturity and prepares students to lead in the real world.
Conclusion: a human-centered approach to leadership education
The evolution of the teacher’s role invites us to rethink education as a human process, where student maturity and autonomy are the ultimate goal. Meaningful learning happens when students fully engage in their own growth.
At CompanyGame, our simulations are the perfect allies for this transformation, combining technical skills with human development and preparing leaders capable of making conscious, effective decisions.