Frequently Asked Questions

If Real Times, Real Life is part of The Real Game Series, is it a game or a program?

Real Times, Real Life is a demanding and ambitious career development program, fully compliant with the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs competencies and performance indicators for the Adult level. The program is experiential, involving creative role-playing and simulation activities. As a result, in spite of the negative places from which many participants are coming, they have fun as they learn about life/work roles, labour market trends, and about themselves in the context of planning and building the career they want.

How much time does it take to complete Real Times, Real Life?

It takes about 22 hours to complete the core activities of the program. Optional activities are also included in the Facilitator's Guide, which complement the core activities and create opportunities to involve resource people from the community, other speakers and the families or friends of participants. The program can be completed in a week or, if blended with other interventions and resources, can extend for several weeks or even months.

Do I need training to present the game to participants?

Although complete and easy-to-follow lesson plans are provided for facilitators, training is strongly recommended. Both participants and facilitators benefit more from the program when facilitators attend a one-day training session.

How do I get the training I need?

The Department of Education in 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 (1-888-579-1396).

Can Real Times, Real Life be presented as a community project outside the classroom?

Yes, as long as facilitators have experience in a classroom or group-learning environment. The program can be very useful for job clubs, as an adjunct to on-the-job training programs or as an evening or weekend program for community groups. If the facilitators are not educators experienced in adult education, it is recommended that they attend Real Times, Real Life training.

How does the game integrate with other curricula?

In adult education classrooms already using Real Times, Real Life, a team teaching approach is often used. English, Social Studies, Math and Consumer Science topics all arise in the course of the game and instructors in these subjects can deliver or expand on these themes. Life skills instructors, as well as career counsellors, librarians, administrators and peer tutors will also find relevant material to support their areas of instruction and may also wish to deliver or co-facilitate key activities in the program.

Is it possible to buy Real Times, Real Life to use at home?

This is not recommended. Real Times, Real Life was created for use in settings with eight or more participants. Group interaction contributes greatly to learning and to the perceived reality of the program and, therefore, to the effectiveness of the program. The game also requires a facilitator.

Are other versions of this program available for other age groups?

Yes. This is one in a series of six developmentally-sequenced programs, all keyed to the competencies and performance indicators of the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs. The complete Series includes:

The Play Real Game - Grades 3-4
The Make It Real Game - Grades 5-6
The Real Game - Grades 7-8
The Be Real Game - Grades 9-10
The Get Real Game - Grades 11-12
Real Times, Real Life - Adults