Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
All new tools in your inbox: Be the first to know about new tools for learning with our e-mail notifications.
Simulation Exercise, Manual
Beyond Words_TEATER_Game_Facilitator Guidelines
Facilitator guide for implementing the TEATER Game, a non-formal learning method combining critical thinking, structured debate & creative expression. A step-by-step guidance, facilitation roles, adaptation options & evaluation methods for youth workers
Aims of the tool
The TEATER Simulation Game aims to:
1. Strengthen young people’s critical thinking and structured argumentation skills.
2. Develop public speaking, communication, improvisation and non-verbal expression.
3. Encourage participants to question assumptions, recognise biased reasoning and critically assess different perspectives.
4. Promote openness to opposing viewpoints, intercultural dialogue and respectful debate.
5. Build participants’ confidence in expressing and defending their opinions in a safe and inclusive environment.
6. Use theatre-based learning, structured debate and reflection to transform abstract ideas into an engaging experiential learning process
Description of the tool
The TEATER Simulation Game is an interactive non-formal learning tool that combines theatre-based learning, structured debate and critical-thinking techniques. Participants work in teams to research different perspectives, develop and defend arguments, and present them through a three-act simulation. Through role-play, public speaking, structured argumentation and reflection, TEATER creates a safe and engaging environment where young people can explore different viewpoints and learn how personal narratives and cultural backgrounds can influence opinions.
By participating in TEATER, learners will be able to apply critical-thinking principles, structure and communicate persuasive arguments, identify misinformation and biased reasoning, respond constructively to counter-arguments, and strengthen their public-speaking, improvisation and non-verbal communication skills. The tool also supports increased confidence in expressing opinions, greater openness to different perspectives and cultural differences, and a stronger habit of questioning sources and assumptions before forming conclusions.
Available downloads:
Disclaimer
SALTO cannot be held responsible for the inappropriate use of these training tools. Always adapt training tools to your aims, context, target group and to your own skills! These tools have been used in a variety of formats and situations. Please notify SALTO should you know about the origin of or copyright on this tool.
Tool overview
http://toolbox.salto-youth.net/5994
This tool is for
Youth, Youth Workers, Youth Professionals, NGOs, Youth Organisations
and addresses
Social Inclusion, Youth Initiatives, Personal Development, European Citizenship, Youth Participation
It is recommended for use in:
Youth Exchanges
Transnational Youth Initiatives
Materials needed:
1. Open room or hall with a clear stage/performance area and audience seating.
2. Visible timer or bell to manage speaking and performance times.
3. Reference sheets summarising the ACTION communication model and ProVoice argumentation structure for each team.
4. Journals or printed “Life List” templates for reflection activities.
5. Camera or smartphone for photo/video documentation, with participants’ consent.
6. Optional simple props, such as chairs, fabric or signs, to support theatre-based performances.
Duration:
Duration: The full TEATER Simulation Game is designed as a multi-day learning process, although it can also be adapted into a one-day or half-day format.
Training process: The activity begins with a preparation phase focused on trust-building, ground rules, critical-thinking models, the ACTION and ProVoice argumentation methods, and non-verbal communication exercises. Participants then work in teams of 5-7 during the LAB phase, researching a topic, developing arguments, assigning roles and rehearsing their performance.
The simulation itself consists of three Acts:
Act I: Opening Debate, where teams stage their arguments
Act II: Argumentation & Response, where they challenge and respond to opposing positions
Act III: Evaluation & Life List, dedicated to group discussion, reflection and personal learning takeaways.
The process concludes with a facilitated debrief and reflection.
Behind the tool
The tool was created by
INNOVIERA - - Center for Social Research, Development and Education
in the context of
Youth Exchange Project
The tool has been experimented in
Youth Exchange "Beyond Words; The Art of Critical Thinking"
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Elisavet TZIALLA (on 10 September 2026)
and last modified
9 September 2026
Comments
No comments have been posted yet.
If you want to comment on this tool, you need to be signed in with your MySALTO account. Sign in now