A Systematic Approach to Exercises: The Importance of Focusing on Learning Needs, Evaluation and Follow‐Up

ABSTRACT This study presents and discusses a systematic approach to exercises that gradually develops the competence required to respond adequately to crises and emergencies. Based on interviews with professionals from emergency organizations in one of Norway's largest regions, the findings demonstrate a learning‐oriented approach that prioritizes learning over merely conducting exercises. The study shows how exercises can be used to systematically build competence by selecting the most appropriate exercise type according to identified learning needs. It also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between evaluation and follow‐up, which are interrelated yet distinct activities that are essential for learning to occur. Maintaining the momentum of evaluation and follow‐up after exercises is important in this regard, as it ensures that the learning process is completed and suggested improvements implemented. This requires making resources available throughout the entire exercise process. By demonstrating a systematic way of conducting exercises, the study provides concrete suggestions for an approach that promotes learning and offers valuable insights into how to design an exercise process that leads to improved learning outcomes.