How do you make training more engaging with simulations?

1 Choose the right type of simulation

There are different types of simulations that you can use for training, depending on your learning objectives, audience, and resources. For example, you can use role-playing simulations to train soft skills, such as communication, negotiation, or customer service. You can use scenario-based simulations to train decision-making, problem-solving, or critical thinking skills. You can use game-based simulations to train technical skills, such as operating a machine, navigating a system, or performing a procedure. Choose the type of simulation that best suits your training goals and aligns with your learners' preferences and expectations.

2 Make the simulation realistic and relevant

One of the key benefits of simulations is that they can mimic real-life situations and challenges that your trainees face in their work. This makes the simulation more meaningful and engaging for them, as they can see how their learning applies to their context. To make the simulation realistic and relevant, you need to do some research and analysis of your target audience, their needs, their performance gaps, and their work environment. You also need to use realistic scenarios, characters, dialogues, graphics, sounds, and feedback that reflect the reality of your trainees' work.

3 Provide guidance and feedback

Simulations are not just about letting your trainees explore and experiment on their own. They also need guidance and feedback to help them learn from their actions and improve their performance. You can provide guidance and feedback in different ways, such as using instructions, hints, tips, prompts, cues, or scaffolds. You can also use different sources of feedback, such as self-assessment, peer feedback, expert feedback, or system feedback. The key is to provide guidance and feedback that is timely, specific, constructive, and actionable.

4 Balance challenge and fun

Simulations are meant to challenge your trainees and make them think, but they should also be fun and enjoyable. You want to create a positive and motivating learning experience that keeps your trainees engaged and curious. To balance challenge and fun, you need to consider the level of difficulty, the pace, the duration, the variety, and the rewards of your simulation. You want to make the simulation challenging enough to stimulate your trainees' interest and learning, but not too hard or too easy that they get frustrated or bored. You also want to make the simulation fun and interactive by using elements of gamification, such as points, badges, levels, leaderboards, or stories.

5 Evaluate and improve the simulation

The last tip to make training more engaging with simulations is to evaluate and improve the simulation based on your trainees' feedback and performance. You want to measure the effectiveness of your simulation and see how it meets your learning objectives and outcomes. You also want to collect and analyze your trainees' feedback and suggestions on how to improve the simulation. You can use different methods and tools to evaluate and improve the simulation, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, analytics, or testing. You can then use the results to make adjustments and enhancements to your simulation to make it more engaging and impactful.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?