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Games, Toys and Simulations for Training Adults Some trainers are hesitant to use games, toys and simulations in their programs, fearing the participants will dismiss them as mere entertainment. Certainly, like any other training method, games, toys and simulations are not without risk. Used in the wrong way at the wrong time, they may do little good. However, used appropriately, they can be an enjoyable and effective way to advance training objectives. Breaking the Ice When a training session begins, your audience may be uncomfortable because they do not know each other. If they do know each other, they may be even more uncomfortable. Worrying about looking silly in front of strangers is bad enough, but it’s really scary if it can happen with people you work with every day. That’s why many trainers use icebreakers, which can set a fun tone for your training session and get people feeling more comfortable. Yes, they can be corny, but they usually accomplish their mission – reducing stress and getting your audience in the proper mood to learn. An example would be to ask everyone to tell the group his or her middle name and how they got it. You, the presenter, should always go first. Games and Toys The easiest way to create games is to mimic the format and character of well known ones. Technical information is often dry stuff to learn. Television quiz games can be easily adapted for training groups. The ones we used in our training classes were “Jeopardy” and “Trivial Pursuit” since merely playing the game and learning the correct answers is a great way to pick up information and learn the parts of the machine or process being taught. Toys are great to have on the table for participants to fiddle with during the training session. This also will help them feel more relaxed as they learn. Example: Silly Putty, squeeze balls that light up, pipe cleaners, graffiti sheet to doodle etc. Have you ever noticed when talking on the telephone you will draw pictures or doodle. This helps you concentrate on the topic being discussed. Simulations One example of an effective simulation is called “Instant Aging.” This simulation is designed to sensitize participants to sensory deprivation and the normal process of aging. Participants are given eyeglasses smeared with Vaseline. Then they are asked to take out a pencil and paper and write specific information on it. Next, they are told to take a walk outside the training room, opening the door to find their way around. The simulation can involve a number of directions concerning the order of applying the props, the specific detail of the tasks the participants are asked to perform and the manner in which they are to take turns assisting each other. This type of experience can have a tremendous impact on the participants. Games and simulations almost always need to be discussed afterward for the experience to be an effective teaching. Talking about what has just happened is important not only to bring the learning into focus but also to take advantage of setting the stage for discussions on what went right and what went wrong and identifying what the participants learned from the exercise. Sheree Evans-Metcalf was the Technical Trainer for Molson-Coors at the Golden Brewery Packaging Division in Golden, Colorado. Sheree worked for the Coors Brewing Company for 33 years. She retired in 2007 and is now a facilitator for the PMMI Certified Trainer Program. |
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