Training of Trainers on Simulation Games

The Overall Goal of this ToT is to pass on the method of simulation games in order to enable the participants to use it in their work. To effectively achieve this goal, we do not only want to demonstrate the variety of different formats of simulation games, but also breed enthusiasm among the participants concerning the method, by letting them experience it. The training by this will improve training competencies of trainers, facilitators and team leaders in the field of non-formal education and youth work. In the beginning of the training the participants will experience two different types of simulation games: a cultural one and a political one. In the end of the training the participants will create their own simulation games, and being enabled to conduct them with their own target groups on topics they chose for themselves if they work on international or local youth projects. The training course is based on a non-formal and a trainee centered approach putting the needs and abilities of the participants into the centre of the training. In general, the following methods will be used during the training:Team-building measures, guided discussions in the plenum, work in small groups on different topics, simulation games and role plays, presentation of the results in the small groups as well as in the plenum (protocols, wallpapers, flip charts, graphics and pictures), monitoring and evaluation methods. Furthermore the participants are free to follow own creative ideas within the workshops. Trainings live with the commitment of their participants. This is why it will be very important for the implementation that the participants develop their own creative ideas and projects, while the trainers are only introducing the topic and guiding the participants with some advice. This corresponds to a non-formal learning process, which aims at the specific development of project ideas and the mutual profiting of different experiences, skills and knowledge of the participants. Beside the provided framework for non-formal learning , the participants will be responsible for their proper development. Before project start each of participants will have the task to think about one idea of simulation games according with their realities and to prepare themselves for sharing their experience. During the project wil be apply the concept Learning by Doing. The participants will be supported to learn developing simulation games by a team of 2 German and 2 Moldovian trainers/facilitators with experience on the topic at the national and international level.