Interactive training produces effective learning. There is more to interactive training than games and group projects. We have identified (and field-tested) more than 100 different interactive training techniques. Here are brief descriptions of three of them. (More to follow in the future issues of the Game Letter.)

Action Research is a strategy that is similar to action learning. A team of participants conducts field research to examine a question. Especially suited for participants who don’t know what they don’t know, data collected during the research may alter the original question. The team may learn unanticipated principles and procedures because of the volatile nature of open-minded inquiry and objective reflection.

An Application Activity involves supplying participants with copies of a job aid for performing a specific procedure. In a typical application activity, different participants learn different steps and organize themselves into teams to share their step and learn the other steps.

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an alternative to traditional problem solving. Instead of focusing on what is wrong, AI emphasizes positive aspects of a situation. The AI process involves encouraging the participants to share stories of positive experiences with each other. Later, the participants review these stories to identify themes for further inquiry.