The goal of any learner participating in vocational training is to become more competent. They will then be able to perform their job with greater ease. Some of them wish to progress in their professional life.
To help them achieve their goals, trainers strive to choose the best learning methods to offer. Traditional approaches based on theoretical and practical courses are the most well-known.
Students have access to various knowledge areas. Then, they are encouraged to demonstrate what they have learned during practical classes.
Currently, trainers have invented new learning approaches. They are using board games as a teaching tool.
What are the advantages of such an approach?
What are the challenges related to this method?
The advantages of using board games in training
Board games are excellent tools for entertainment. Currently, they serve the purpose of training. What is the interest in using them?
Allowing trainees to be active participants in their training
Integrating games into the training program is an interesting solution. Indeed, it is a dynamic pedagogical approach known as active pedagogy. It places trainees in the role of the actor.
With this method, learners no longer just wait for the trainer to impart knowledge. They will create this knowledge through experience. Offering board games in training is a kind of real-life simulation.
During the game, participants will explore all the data at their disposal. They will then identify the strategy that can lead them to victory. The trainer will simply guide them to draw lessons from this experience, which they can apply in the professional environment.
Advice: The choice of games to propose is of utmost importance. Consider the profile and objectives of each participant.
Accelerating learning
Games are an effective medium for conveying knowledge. They also allow trainees to develop their skills in different ways. They enable them to:
- Evaluate their knowledge,
- Share their understanding,
- Learn to communicate with others,
- Collaborate with others,
- Learn mutual support,
- Stimulate their engagement.
Learning thus occurs in a playful context. Positive feelings develop among the trainees. Pleasure, joy, and excitement will be present. All of this optimizes brain performance. Learners will be better able to retain the knowledge acquired.
Promoting interaction and team spirit
Board games stimulate interactions among trainees. As a reminder, they sometimes need to cooperate or help each other. Thus, there are genuine moments of sharing. Learners can then develop their communication skills and team spirit.
Providing immediate feedback
Using board games in training allows trainers to provide immediate feedback to learners. They can comment on each participant’s performance during the game. Of course, these are constructive remarks, not criticisms.
Thanks to this feedback, learners can improve their strategies. They will also identify their progress. All of this can only enhance the success of learning.
Learning without risk
Learning with board games is a risk-free method. One can express oneself freely, experiment, and make decisions. It is also a way to learn how to face failure. Indeed, it is possible to lose the game. Learners will learn how to get back up.
Participating in games also requires trainees to face individual and collective challenges. They will feel the urge to surpass themselves to succeed. Moreover, the game-based training method captures their attention. This is necessary to convey messages effectively.
Developing learners’ creativity
Learning through play allows one to disconnect somewhat from reality. Trainees will immerse themselves in a universe where imagination becomes a significant ally. They are indeed obliged to use their creativity to establish an effective action plan. This is how they can succeed in the game.
Advice:
This playful experience should not distract learners from the educational objective. Trainers must pay attention to this detail.
Challenges trainers must face
Certainly, board games are excellent teaching tools. But one must know how to use them. What are the challenges to overcome?
Achieving educational objectives
Inviting students to participate in board games requires a certain level of caution. They must be encouraged to engage in this approach. However, it is essential to ensure that they remain focused on the training objective. Trainers should opt for simple games. They must thoroughly understand the rules in order to transform them into a teaching tool.
Choosing the right games
Selecting the right board games to propose is difficult. However, trainers cannot afford to make mistakes. The involvement of learners in the exercise is crucial. Otherwise, the method will not work.
Finally, learners must acquire the knowledge they need through the games. Trainers should therefore consider several criteria such as:
- Age,
- Profile of each learner,
- Their sector of activity,
- Their personalities.
Some learners may feel uncomfortable playing certain board games. This detail must also be taken into account.
Ensuring the game does not replace the teacher
Certainly, the goal of offering board games in training is to encourage learners to learn through experience. However, the trainer still has a role to play. They must observe, analyze, and provide constructive comments. They must help learners benefit from the experience.
The trainer must understand the game and establish connections with the training subject. They must also be able to identify the difficulties faced by learners and present appropriate guidance.
