When most people think of corporate training, they imagine long PowerPoint slides and group discussions. But adult learning classes don’t have to feel like school.
In fact, adding fun learning activities for adults can completely transform training sessions. This makes them more engaging, interactive and memorable.
Companies are increasingly realising that enjoyable training comes with many benefits. It helps employees stay motivated and actually apply what they’ve learned at work.
Let’s explore why fun matters in adult learning and the benefits of it.
Why fun learning matters in corporate training
Adults learn differently from children.
They bring life experience, personal goals, and professional development expectations into the classroom. This makes the learning process rewarding, but also a little challenging. Some of the challenges of adult learning include:
- Competing priorities (work, family, deadlines)
- Varying motivation to learn levels
- Different levels of motivation to learn
That’s why keeping corporate training interactive is essential.
Research shows that people remember more when they’re actively involved.
Passive listening is not beneficial for retaining information. The right teaching and learning strategies for adults should include a mix of serious content and playful activities.
When training feels enjoyable, the benefits of adult learning multiply:
- Higher engagement and focus
- Stronger teamwork and collaboration
- Better knowledge retention
- More confidence in applying skills and knowledge back at work
Fun learning activities for adults
Here are some popular ideas that work well in adult learning courses and adult learning training programmes:
1. Icebreakers and team-building games
A simple icebreaker can turn a quiet room into a buzzing space.
Activities like Helium Stick, where a group lowers a stick together, are excellent for teamwork. Broken Squares is another fun puzzle that helps with communication.
In Dubai, many groups use scavenger hunts or trivia games that focus on local culture. These help new teams bond while learning something unique about the region.
2. Experiential learning games & roleplays
One of the most effective adult learning techniques is learning by doing. Roleplays and experimental games give participants a chance to practice real scenarios. Popular roleplaying topics include:
- Negotiations,
- Sales pitches, or
- Leadership challenges.
Games like Friday Night at the ER (simulating decision-making under pressure) are powerful. Teams must solve challenges together—mirroring workplace collaboration.
Roleplays add realism, helping learners test communication, empathy, and problem-solving on the spot.
3. Creative and arts-based exercises
Creativity isn’t just for art students.
Corporate learners benefit hugely from exercises in storytelling, improvisational drama, or even drawing. These activities build confidence in communication, encourage empathy, and spark innovation.
Arts-based methods are often included in an adult learning programme when the goal is to develop soft skills like:
- presentation,
- negotiation, or
- emotional intelligence.
4. Gamification and digital quizzes
Adding elements of games can make training competitive in a fun way. Some methods, which can motivate adults to learn include:
- points,
- leaderboards, or
- missions.
Platforms like Kahoot allow trainers to run fast-paced quizzes that reinforce learning.
83% of employees who experience gamified training feel motivated.
This approach works well for learning courses for adult students where participants need to absorb a lot of content in a short time.
5. Immersive learning with AR/VR
For a modern twist, some organisations in Dubai are turning to immersive technologies. Virtual reality role-plays and augmented reality treasure hunts help learners experience real-life situations. One example is Cluetivity’s “Operation Mindfall.”
These simulations are ideal for safety training, leadership development, or customer service courses. They show clearly how adults learn best—through experience, feedback, and reflection.
Designing activities for the Middle East context
In the Middle East, diverse teams from finance, hospitality, and other sectors train together. To design effective adult learning programmes, trainers should:
- Use local stories and case studies for relevance
- Mix languages and visuals to make content accessible
- Offer hybrid formats (in-person and online) for busy professionals
By adjusting activities to fit the culture, you boost engagement and make learning more meaningful.
The business case for fun in adult learning
Many managers fear that “fun” reduces seriousness—but the opposite is true. Fun creates an emotional connection, which makes knowledge stick. Companies that invest in engaging adult learning programs see:
- Better return on training investment
- More motivated employees
- Improved workplace culture
Many organisations now provide adult learning certificates and interactive sessions. These help staff gain practical skills and stay motivated to learn for life.
Conclusion
Learning should be fun. The best adult training combines clear lessons with interactive activities that keep participants engaged and motivated.
At ISM Dubai, we create programs with games, roleplays, and hands-on activities. This way, every participant learns, has fun, and uses their new skills.
Contact us today to discover our fun-packed corporate training courses.