Scenario based learning

In this blog post, i would like to talk about scenario based learning. Scenario based learning puts the learner in a real life scenario or in a situation/simulation that depicts real life as closely as possible. The central idea being that learner is put into a situation which requires them to consider a wide range of factors and take appropriate decisions. The advantage of this is that learners develop critical skills (and their confidence) that they would need in order to effectively do their job. Another advantage is that because the learning involves a particular context (one that the learner is likely to use in their actual job), the learner is able to better understand the learning and commit it to their long term memory.

Scenario based learning is based on situational learning theory, which was first discussed by Jean lave and Etienne Wenger in 1991. Scenario based learning generally involves providing the learners with a narrative that introduces the learner to the scenario and then presents the learner with some situational problems that need to be resolved. This narrative needs to be developed with a view to providing the right level of immersion to the learner. It should be like we are telling a story to the learner. Care must be taken when developing the scenario and provide the right amount of information to the learner. Too little information can make the scenario seem superfluous and not taken seriously, whereas too much information may cause learning difficulties due to the enormity of information and cognitive overload.

Some other things to consider when developing scenario-based learning are:


  • Keep the scenario realistic and relevant. The learner is unlikely to learn much or even take the learning seriously if the scenario is unrealistic or too far removed from the daily work profile of the actual job. A subject matter expert can and should be utilised to make the scenario authentic
  • Ensure learners already possess relevant skills and knowledge to resolve the scenario. Develop the scenario that requires the learner to exercise the skills they should have learned as part of their learning.
  • Keep the scenario challenging. Often course developers make the mistake of making the scenario and the challenge to be resolved too easy. This again makes the learner not take the scenario seriously even though it might relate to their job.
  • Determine the resources that will be used in the scenario. These resources might change depending on whether your scenario is for online training or face-to-face training
  • Introduce and utilise interactivity where possible. This is applicable for scenarios for e-learning courses. Interactivity adds to the immersion factor and can greatly aid in developing the decision-making capabilities of the learner. Twine might be a good choice to use here as might be Branchtracks. However Twine is better suited for more complex decision making interactivity, while Branchtracks is easier to work with for developers.
  • Finally ensure a feedback mechanism is available for the learner as, without feedback regarding the decisions they have taken, it might be difficult for the learner to embed the learning and feel confident about the choices they have made.

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