I believe learning takes place when students/ we put into practice some concepts and we later are capable of applying those concepts to different situations. Take, for example, Kolb's learning cycle. In teaching, the use of simulations and games has given me glimpses of how students learn better and more effectively. Here are some links you may like to take a look. Hope they help.
best,
Laura
Conference Paper Scenario Design in EFL Teacher Training
Data Student perceptions of gain in telematic simulation (1)