Do you want to tackle certain behavior within your organization, but don’t know how to address it? Or are you going to launch a complex product and do you want your sales team to sell it like no other? Then Scenario-based learning is the perfect method. Realistic situations are simulated and choices are presented. Every choice you make has a different consequence. So you learn by gaining experience. In a safe environment. Mistakes are not immediately fatal!
What is Scenario-based learning?
Scenario-based learning is a form of interactive learning in which realistic scenarios are simulated. With each scenario you are faced with a choice, which has a consequence and determines how the rest of the storyline unfolds. For example, choice A leads to a different scenario than choice B. So you are not told what the correct answer is, but you experience this yourself through the consequences of the choices you make. As a result, a scenario-based e-learning is really tailored to the person, which makes it more realistic and ensures more impact. These types of training often use case studies, simulations, video learning, gamification or other interactive learning techniques. We often apply this form of learning to our custom e-Learning solutions.
What makes this form of learning so effective?
Scenario-based learning does not tell you how and why you should do something, but you discover this yourself through the consequences of the answers you give. This ‘show, don’t tell’ principle ensures that you take in and remember the information better. Then, when the same situation occurs in real life, you already have experience with this and know better how to react. With a scenario-based training you practice in a safe way with real-life situations. So it is not a problem to make mistakes. This creates a bit of awareness, so that you approach something differently next time.
When do you use Scenario-based learning?
This form of active learning is an effective tool to use for behavioral change or explaining complex material. This makes scenario-based training ideal for tackling sensitive topics such as behavior in the workplace. When one is not aware of missing knowledge or one’s own behavior, this learning technique creates awareness and change.
In addition, a scenario-based training is also very suitable for practicing management styles, conversation techniques or dealing with customers or patients. Think, for example, of conducting sales conversations, feedback conversations or bad news conversations. But the technology is also very effective for explaining a new strategy or new product to customers or employees, for example.
What are the advantages of scenario-based learning?
Of course, there are several ways of interactive learning that can be very effective. Nevertheless, Scenario-based learning brings a number of important advantages.
- It ensures a higher involvement in and better understanding of the teaching material.
- The information sticks longer by gaining experiences.
- Real-time feedback creates more awareness.
- It provides a safe environment for making mistakes.
- It is ideal for explaining complicated material.
- Scenario-based training does not have to be on location and can be done remotely.
- The training is sustainable and can be used for a longer period of time.
- It gives confidence to apply the learned skills in practice.
How to apply Scenario-based learning effectively
Do you want to get started with Scenario-based learning? Then there are a number of things to take into account. There are a number of indispensable ingredients that ensure that a scenario-based training is successful or not. These are also called the 5 C’s.
1. Context
Make sure the scenarios you use are relevant and meaningful. You do this, for example, by simulating realistic situations with actors in an appropriate place. Think of the organization or workplace of an employee who does the training.
2. Challenge
It is important that the training is challenging enough. You want to prevent someone from clicking through it, but not learning anything. For example, a time limit is a good way to keep someone ‘on track’. Moreover, it ensures that you cannot think too long and really go for your first hunch.
3. Choices
It is important to always offer multiple options. In doing so, choose not only right and (obviously) wrong answers, but also the doubtful cases and common pitfalls. This creates that bit of awareness.
4. Consequences
Make sure that every choice made leads to a different consequence. This creates a storyline that is exactly tailored to the person doing the training. In this way, topics that are already going well are skipped and areas for improvement come to light. This keeps it challenging and educational.
5. Contemplate
To make a scenario-based training really effective, feedback is of course essential. However, timing is crucial. The intention is that someone is first given the space to think about the consequences of the action. Only then do you explain (optionally) why the choice was good or not.
Want to know more?
Curious about this form of learning? And would you like to know how Scenario-based learning can also be interesting for your organization? Please feel free to contact us – we are happy to think along with you!
