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Training Games

Steve Sugar and Jennifer Whitcomb

ASTD Publications, 2006

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Game play, one of the most basic vehicles for learning, is a highly successful employee-training tool, because game-derived learning stays with the student. In this practical guide, training experts Steve Sugar and Jennifer Whitcomb provide user-friendly, step-by-step instructions for choosing, planning and implementing training games. By modifying familiar game formats, such as bingo and tic-tac-toe, according to your training objectives, you can create a fun, interactive learning environment. Simple game play is a far more effective way to teach than just giving out reading materials. The authors provide instructions for 11 training game formats that you can tailor to your needs. Plus, the book comes with a CD with templates and instructions for each one. What’s missing? Well, even with the thorough introduction and instructions, readers might welcome a few extra pages explaining a bit more about the philosophy and pedagogy behind these exercises. The bibliography does list additional resources for some of that information. getAbstract recommends this manual to human resources professionals and managers who see the potential of using training games to enhance their employees’ learning experiences.

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Why Games?

Why should trainers include games in their repertoire of teaching tools? People are comfortable playing games. After all, they played games as children and often learned valuable lessons from them. Games create a friendly, pleasurable environment for corporate learning. Lastly, games invite participants to interact with materials and with other people in hands-on learning.

Take this example: Sister Cecelia was frustrated with the ineffectiveness of the orientation program at the hospital where she worked. The new hires didn’t seem to absorb the information presented to them during orientation lectures. She solved that problem by introducing a game called “Orientation Bingo.” The participants enjoyed learning the material in a fun, interactive format that involved calling out answers to questions so they could earn squares on the game board. The human resources trainers who presented the game conveyed information about the hospital with new energy, and the trainees responded to their enthusiasm. Moreover, the game was effective in teaching the material. Departments throughout the hospital reported higher productivity from the new staff.

Games are...

About the Authors

Steve Sugar specializes in “fun with a purpose” books including, Games That Teach Teams, Games That Boost Performance and Primary Games. Jennifer Whitcomb is a training instructor and a principal of the Trillium Group.

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