New Takes on Learning in Organizations When Using Role Play Simulation

Abstract

: Role play simulations (RPS) as a tool for enhancing learning in organizations are mostly used for military and in crisis training. While training with RPS a lot of effort is put in developing scripts and roles. In other organizations with interests other than military and crisis training, subject matter experts are used to provide best and most relevant scripts and connected roles. In theory regarding using simulations, there are online suggestions of pulling in the “learners” in the script and role development process, and very few of the theoretical research describe how and why such involvement can be done, or share any other experiences related to this approach. Influenced by the American pragmatist John Dewey, we have explored the potential of utilizing early involvement of learners and thus worked on involving the learners in organizations in the process of developing scripts and roles for "their own" learning through role simulations. The data, collected by interviewing, observing and taking field notes show the constraints and benefits of the approach. In the paper we present the related theory and the analysis of the data collected. Based on our experiences, we also offer guidelines for how early involvement will provide a prolonged and enhanced learning process.