Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) is an instructional strategy that places learners in a realistic work situation and asks them to make a decision, then shows them what that decision leads to. Instead of telling people what to do, it gives them a safe space to practise judgment before the stakes are real. Keep reading to learn where it works best.
Benefits of Scenario-Based Learning
Immersing learners into real-life situations comes with many benefits.
- Scenario-Based Learning applies to most training needs.
- This strategy can be used to enhance the learning impact of both formal and informal training.
- It can also enrich and support in-person or virtual instructor led training (ILT/VILT).
- It creates learning experiences where the learning sticks.
- It provides a guided exploration of the learners.
- It provides a safe practice zone to gain expertise and proficiency.
- It allows the learners to make mistakes and, through feedback, reinforce the right approach.
- It enables the reinforcement of the primary messaging.
Scenario Based learning can be used in many different ways. L&D teams use scenario-based learning to:
- Validate learning
- Facilitate the application of learning
- Influence behavioral change
- Aid decision making
- Increase critical thinking skills
From the learners’ perspective it provides:
- Real-life situations that are relatable and relevant to different roles
- A problem-solving environment
- A decision-making tool that provides an understanding of the impact/consequences of their decisions and choices
- A safe mode to practice
- An approach to hone their skills and achieve higher proficiency level
Scenarios get more powerful when learner choices actually change what happens next. Engaging digital learners through branching covers how to build those paths.
When Is Scenario-Based Learning Not Effective?
Scenario-based learning works in many different industries and for many various topics. But it is definitely not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. There may be situations where it’s not an ideal fit.
For example, your client is rolling out a new software program. A quick reference or procedure manual would be a better fit for procedure-specific training than scenario-based learning.
What Makes Scenario-Based Learning a Preferred Instructional Strategy?
Let’s look at a typical L&D team’s wishlist of a “successful learning strategy”:
Essentially, a “successful learning strategy” should help them create learning experiences that are:
- Motivating
- Engaging and immersive
- Relevant and relatable (preferably personalized)
- Challenging
- Rewarding
These learning experiences should:
- Create sticky learning
- Facilitate the application of learning
- Provide room for practice and proficiency gain
- Provide reinforcement to ensure the forgetting curve does not step in
- Influence or trigger behavioral change
It is clear how these correlate closely with scenario-based approaches in online learning.
For a worked example, see how we used scenarios to make mandatory training land in compliance training in healthcare.
Conclusion
The key to successful scenario-based learning is to ensure that the content of the scenarios is relevant and relatable. A solid instructional design team can create effective scenarios that will extend and enhance learning outcomes, while adding to the engagement factor of an eLearning experience.
For the practice design that goes with it, see designing engaging practice activities.
AI takes scenarios further again: with AIReady, learners hold an open conversation with a roleplay character and get specific, criteria-based feedback instead of choosing from pre-written options.
Did you know that incorporating rich digital avatars can bring your learning scenarios to life, adding depth and engagement? For more inspiration, check out this YouTube playlist on designing avatars that enhance learner interaction: Watch here.
Frequently asked questions
What is scenario-based learning?
Scenario-based learning is an instructional strategy that places learners in a realistic work situation and asks them to make a decision, then shows them the consequence of that decision. Rather than telling people what to do, it gives them a safe space to practise judgment before they need it on the job.
How is scenario-based learning different from branching?
Branching is a technique, scenario-based learning is the strategy. A scenario can run in a straight line with a single decision point, or it can branch so that each choice opens a different path. Branching is one way to build a scenario, not a requirement of one.
When is scenario-based learning not the right choice?
It is not a one size fits all solution. When the goal is simple recall of facts, figures or procedures, a scenario adds production cost without adding much learning value. Scenarios earn their keep when the skill involves judgment, nuance or reading a situation.
