Role-play + reflection: Enhancing process understanding through experiential learning

Combining role-play with structured reflection creates powerful learning experiences that develop deep process understanding in students. In a time when AI tools can generate perfect process documentation, this pedagogical approach focuses on experiential learning that helps students internalize complex processes through direct participation. Through a case study from a course in Enterprise Systems, that focuses on Business Processes, attendees will discover how students take on departmental roles in an enterprise system environment, experiencing firsthand the interconnections and challenges of business processes.

The presentation includes three key components: a simulation framework where students engage with real-world processes, a structured reflection model that guides deeper learning, and a collaborative discussion approach using anonymized student reflections. Participants will learn practical strategies for implementing similar approaches in their own disciplines, whether in business, healthcare, engineering, or any field where understanding complex processes is crucial. You’ll leave with specific techniques for designing role-play scenarios, crafting effective reflection prompts, and facilitating productive discussions that transform experiential activities into deep learning.

This approach not only enhances student engagement but also develops critical thinking skills essential for professional settings where process understanding is vital. By exploring both theoretical foundations and practical implementation steps, the workshop offers valuable insights for educators across diverse fields. Whether you’re new to experiential learning or looking to enhance existing approaches, you’ll gain actionable strategies to help students develop the kind of nuanced comprehension that comes through direct experience and guided reflection.