"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."

In order to achieve its goals, CRISP develops and uses simulation games. In these games, the participants are challenged to deal with political and social problems by means of play.

Experimenting

In general, all simulation games apply the same rules: you create situations in which the participants not only learn about the circumstances and discuss possible actions and reactions, but also in which they find themselves in situations which require decision-making skills and where they are affected by the decisions of others. As a whole, there is the opportunity to experiment within the rigid frame of the simulation environment with social forms of behavior and conflictual actions.

Learning

Knowledge acquired through the simulation game method does not only result from simple cognitive processing of external stimulus, but also from the experience as an active participant, which takes place within a group of people. Thus, a key element is the learning of authentic and complex problem descriptions. The simulation game supports therewith a self-organized and praxis-oriented learning culture.

Change of perspective

A central element of the simulation game is the shifting of roles. Taking over a role in a conflict can make the motives, constraints, and possibilities of the stakeholders more clear. New perspectives become visible and the resolution methods as well as the negotiating strategies can be tried.

Empathy

The aspect of role shifting holds great importance, since it can make empathy practically learnable by putting the participant in another person’s position. Therefore, the basic requirement is met through gaining an insight into one’s own behavior and its impact on others.

Self-reflection and conflict-handling skills

Simulation games are no doubt an intensive experience, whereby participants can test and train their social abilities: How do I work and how do I behave within a team? How do I manage putting myself in another's position? How do I react under pressure? How do I convince others? How do I personally handle conflicts?

Also different skills such as negotiation, strategic planning and the ability to compromise, are trained and promoted in simulation games.

In particular, these intense personal experiences and the learning that takes places enable simulation games, with its themes and results, to leave a lasting impression on participants.