FAQs

Is The Get Real Game a game or a program?

The Get Real Game is a career development program. It is fully compliant with the National Career Development Guidelines (United States) and Blueprint for Life/Work Designs (Canada) competencies and performances indicators for the high school level. The program is experiential, involving creative role-playing and simulation activities. As a result, students and teachers have fun as they learn about adult life and work roles in the context of their own career and educational planning. The Get Real Game is a structured learning program with clearly defined learning outcomes and performance indicators presented in the form of a game.

How much time does it take to play The Get Real Game?

It takes from 13 hours of class time to complete the core activities of the program. Optional activities, such as ways to involve community members, other teachers, and parents or guardians, are included in the Facilitator's Guide. The program is flexible enough to be completed in as little as two weeks. Alternatively, it can be delivered over a more extended period of time.

Do I need training to present the game to students?

Although complete and easy-to-follow lesson plans are provided for facilitators, training is strongly recommended. Both students and teachers benefit more from the program when facilitators attend a one-day training session. In over 50,000 classrooms now using programs in The Real Game, a team teaching approach is most common. English, math, science, family and consumer science, geography, social studies, and physical education teachers, and career counselors, librarians, administrators, parents, and community members can all assist with key activities in the program.

How do I get the training I need?

Canada: Through the Canada Career Information Partnership, each Canadian province and territory has designated a Real Game Series Coordinator who coordinates training and awareness-raising activities and events for all programs in The Real Game Series. You can get in touch with your Coordinator through the Career Services unit of your Department of Education, or through the National Life/Work Centre (1-888-700-8940). In fact, you may use this toll-free line to obtain further information on any aspect of Real Times, Real Life, or any other program in the series.

United States: The Real Game Series training is coordinated through the National Life/Work Center-US. Availability of training may be learned by contacting your local ACRN Director, National Life/Work Center (1-888-700-8940), or by consulting our training calendar.

Can The Get Real Game be presented as a community project outside the classroom?

Yes, as long as facilitators have experience with group learning environments. For example, the program can be used at summer camps or evening/weekend sessions with community groups. If the facilitators are not teachers experienced with the program in schools, it is recommended that they attend The Get Real Game training.

Is it possible for parents to buy The Get Real Game so their children can play at home?

This is not recommended. The Get Real Game is more beneficial is a classroom or group settings where a "mini-society" can be created with at least 15-20 participants. Group interaction contributes greatly to the effectiveness of the program.