ToT on SimGame

Aims & objectives

The Overall Goal of this ToT is to pass on the method of simulation games in order to enable the participants to use it in their work. To effectively achieve this goal, we do not only want to demonstrate the variety of different formats of simulation games, but also breed enthusiasm among the participants concerning the method, by letting them experience it. The training by this will improve training competencies of trainers, facilitators and team leaders in the field of non-formal education and youth work.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

The ToT is designed for 24 youth workers from 4 eastern partner countries (Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus) and 4 program countries
(Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania) .

Training methods used & main activities

A simulation games is a model of reality in which participants make choices, implement them and receive consequences of those choices in an effort to achieve given objectives. It purports to have a relevant behavioral similarity to the original system. Simulation games are one potential tool to gain different learning objectives.
Because the method itself is all about learning by experiencing, we want to teach the method by making the participants experience the variety of possible goals to reach through simulation games. With our concept we want to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in order to deliver a comprehensive way of learning. We are convinced that the best way to get to know a method is to apply it yourself.

Outcomes of the activity

Participants in the end of the training was able to create and to conduct their own simulation games with their own target groups on topics they chose themselves when working on international and local youth projects.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

Me and my co-trainers Mihaela Onofras and Geritt Kraemer was resposable for all TC. We try to work together and in pair to facilitate the sessions.
Durring the training we make:
* Getting to know each others
* Teambuilding activities
* Youth Work and Non-Formal Education
* Experiencing 2 simulation games: (1) A Meeting of Perspectives - Simulation for Youth and Adult Education in Local Governance and (2) Transolvia Election
* Contributing in design a simulation game
* Brainstorming / Collecting ideas for new simulation games
* Simulation Games and Youth work: Aims and
potentials
* coaching participants in Developing a simulation
game (working on the topic, on the scenario, on rules and procedures, on the actors)
* Evaluation of developing process
* a the end of training we discuss about proect ideas and develop our personal plan for future cooperation

I worked on this training for 10 days as a full time trainer.