What is the purpose of the game?
The purpose of the game is for players to gain insights into their desires, interests, abilities, and personality as they relate to career decision making. These insights are recorded by players on Career Profiles that each player develops during the Who Am I? game to assist them in better understanding who they are and what they want in the world of work.
What are the various components of the game?
The game has a number of components. The game includes: a) a Who Am I? Self Assessment Game board, b) playing cards, c) a Career Profile template, d) one die, e) one game piece, f) an Abilities handout template, g) a Legend, h) a Who Am I? Intention sign, and f) a Facilitator’s Guide. Players share one game piece and proceed through the spaces on the Who Am I? board, while recording the information they learn about themselves in relation to their career exploration.
What is the game based on?
The game was created from a career counselling perspective. Players are encouraged to share their personal stories and reflect on the questions asked of them as they play the game. It is recommended that the game be facilitated by experienced career counsellors, guidance counsellors, and/or training/organizational development professionals in order to guide players to relate the information they have gained to their career decision making.
How is the game played?
All players share one marker and take turns rolling the die to move the marker around the board. During a turn, a player lands on a space on the board and follows the direction(s) indicated on the space. A space on the board may ask a player to select a game card, answer a question about themselves aloud, or reflect on information and share their thoughts with the group. Information each player obtains is then written on their Career Profile.
How does a player win the game?
This game is a game of cooperation, rather than competition. Therefore, no single player wins the game. All players work together and learn about themselves in relation to career exploration.
How long does it take to play?
It is recommended that the Who Am I? Self Assessment Game is played during a three hour workshop to allow for individual and group processing, as well as an introduction to how the game is played.
Can the game be played in a shorter time period?
Yes. The Who Am I? game may be adjusted depending on individual or groups specific needs.
How many players can participate?
The Who Am I? game is intended for 3-5 players per board. It is recommended to have one facilitator for every 10-15 players. Additional facilitators would be recommended for larger group sessions where multiple boards are in use.
Who can facilitate?
It is recommended that the game be facilitated by experienced career counsellors, guidance counsellors, and/or training/organizational development professionals in order to guide players to relate the information they have gained to their career decision making. In addition, as the game asks players to examine their beliefs about themselves, the world of work and their family and social influences, emotions may be evoked over the course of the game. Therefore, facilitators are responsible for supporting players during this process.
How is the game facilitated?
Facilitators are responsible for explaining the context of the game, describing how the game is played, assisting players in creating linkages between their stories, and ensuring the game is moving forward at the necessary pace.
Is there a specific audience the game caters to?
The Who Am I? Self Assessment Game was initially developed for post-secondary students and alumni of all ages and backgrounds. However, the content of the game has been expanded to be applicable to players from teenagers through adulthood. The game may also be played with high school students, and in non-profit organizations, private institutions, and corporations to assist with career exploration and/or professional development.
Can persons with disabilities play the game?
Yes. Persons with disabilities would also benefit from playing the Who Am I? Self Assessment game provided a qualified counsellor, experienced in working with persons with disabilities was facilitating the process. The Who Am I? Self Assessment Game includes cards specifically for persons with disabilities.
What if there are participants who don't want to participate fully?
Players are informed during the introductory period of the game that they have the choice to respond or pass on any question(s) that arise over the course of the game and their choice will be honoured and respected. However, it is not recommended that individuals sit in during the game for observation purposes alone as this may change the dynamic for the players.
What if confidential information is raised by players during the game?
Before the game begins the concept of confidentiality is discussed as a group. All players are asked to agree to honour the confidentiality agreement. In the isolated event that a player should disclose information that a counsellor is ethically and/or legally required to report, that professional would be responsible for taking the necessary action(s).
Is there an online version of the game?
No. The game depends on the sharing of information between players. Players learn about themselves and their career curiosities by sharing their stories with and gaining insight from the other players at the table. This game is intended to be highly interactive and therefore is not recommended for one player.
Copyright and Trade-mark Notices
© York University, 2007. All rights reserved. No part of the Who Am I? Self Assessment Game may be reproduced, modified, distributed, sold, published, broadcast, retransmitted in any form without the prior written consent of York University.
The York University name, YORK U, YORK, YORK & Design, WHO AM I?, are marks of York University. Other names, words, titles, phrases, logos, designs, graphics, icons and trade marks displayed on the Who Am I? Self Assessment Game may constitute marks, badges, crests and emblems of York University or marks of third parties.
