Mastering the Simulation
Lessons From the Best (and Worst) Learning Events
October 22, 2025
Brock Vickers
Key Takeaways
Simulations drive learning through experience, not theory
Unlike cases or lectures, simulations surface real behaviors, biases, and gaps by putting participants under pressure.
Facilitation matters as much as the simulation itself
Strong outcomes depend on thoughtful pre-work, clear objectives, and intentional debriefing—not just the game mechanics.
There’s no single “right” facilitation style
Effective events fall on a spectrum—from open, participant-led reflection to structured, instructor-guided learning—depending on goals.
Psychological safety is essential for real insight
Participants learn most when they feel safe admitting mistakes, uncertainty, and struggle during debriefs.
The real value comes from transfer, not scores
The goal isn’t to “win” the simulation—it’s to connect decisions, dynamics, and behaviors back to real workplace challenges.
Simulation-based learning is powerful—but only when it’s facilitated well. In this webinar, Forio’s Brock Vickers is joined by Dr. Ryan Klinger, Associate Professor of Management at Old Dominion University and an experienced Forio facilitator, to unpack what it really takes to lead impactful simulation experiences.
Drawing from over a decade of academic research and more than 100 facilitated events, Ryan shares practical guidance on how to move beyond “running” a simulation to truly leading one. Together, they explore the differences between self-facilitated and externally facilitated events, how simulations compare to case studies and lectures, and why struggle, ambiguity, and pressure are essential ingredients for meaningful learning.
The conversation dives into real-world facilitation strategies—how to design effective pre-work, create psychological safety, manage common derailers, and run debriefs that help participants translate in-game decisions into lasting leadership and team insights. Whether you’re an educator, L&D leader, or business facilitator, this session offers actionable takeaways to help you maximize engagement, learning transfer, and impact from any simulation-based experience.