Abstract

Simulations for professional learning are tools that allow the practical exercise of leadership skills, and a concrete response to the need to advance to a less theoretical and abstract training. This bibliographic review offers an overview of the publications that address the use of these tools since the mid-1990s. Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were reviewed, identifying 48 articles that present uses and applications of simulations of school leadership. Analysis categories highlight the types of publications, characteristics of the simulations they use, as well as the purposes of the simulations. "Theoretical-conceptual" publications, "development reports", and "effect evaluations" were detected in the simulation applications. The types of simulations were classified as "role-playing", "computer-based", and "hybrid scenarios". Regarding the training purposes, there is an emphasis on: "conflict management", "perception of self-efficacy", "administrative decisions", "change management", and "communication management". It is concluded that these tools have a strong potential for the learning of decision making in school leadership contexts, and to provide experiences that anticipate professional challenges inherent to the school culture.