Management simulations have been around for a long time, but they have not always taken full advantage of what we know about how adults learn. Cori Hill and Steve Semler at Personnel Decisions International coined the term “Simulation Enhanced Learning (SEL)” in 1998 to describe how simulations can improve the outcomes of learning and development programs. Simulations supercharge the learning experience by making it real and relevant to the participant. The simulated business environment exposes participants to realistic challenges in a learning laboratory setting where they can explore new concepts and try new things.
A simulation experience helps the learner make the gut-level connection to the material that brings on “Aha!” insights. Then, SEL uses a variety of integrated learning and feedback techniques to help the participants apply what they learn directly to their jobs.
Learn More About Simulations
Check out the LearningSim blog for examples of training simulations and thoughts on how to design and use simulations to enhance learning
Read more about the methods and example cases developed by members of the LearningSim Network.
Simulation Articles and Resources
- White Paper: Beating the Fluff Factor: Using 5-Step Simulations to Overcome Barriers to Relevance in Workplace Training and Higher Education
- White Paper: Business Simulation Game Design Checklist
- Something Fun (pdf): Mad Libs LearningSim Style
- Template (pdf): Rapid Simulation Design Template
- Template (pdf): Custom Business Case Template
- “Simulation Enhanced Learning”
- “What makes a good simulation?”
- “Games vs. Simulations”
- “Simulation Design Process”
- Simulation Example – Venn Software training needs assessment scenario
- Online Branching Simulation – Career Coaching
Coaching for Training and Learning Groups
- Training and Learning Coaching – Coaching page on this site
- Training Group Best Practice Assessment – link to 30-item online assessment
- (PDF) Training and Learning Coaching: Past Clients
- (PDF) How To Do Training – master strategy and guidance document
- Types of Learning – Descriptions and advice when to (and not to) use different types of learning
- (MS-Word): Statement of Work for ISD (for contract instructional designers)
- LearningSim blog article: 2024 Instructional Design and eLearning Cost Estimates
Presentations (Not-for-Profit and Professional Events)
- (PowerPoint): Social Media Do’s and Don’ts CAMIS 2017-07-18
- (PowerPoint): Managing to Unleash Talent CAMIS 2017-07-19
- (PowerPoint): Manager’s Guide to HR Law CAMIS 2017-07-20
- (PowerPoint): Performance Management Done Differently CAMIS 2017-07-20
- (PowerPoint): LearningSim Introduction 2017
- (PDF): Simpler, Faster Simulation Design MNISPI 2017
- (PowerPoint): Learning we can Measure
- (PDF): A Training Department in a Box MNISPI 2022
Tools (Leadership & Learning and Development)
- (Excel): People Leader Dashboard