Scenario-driven learning is based on the principle that knowledge is best retained when it's used in context. By working through scenarios, learners can apply critical thinking to decision-making in complex situations – improving understanding, retention, and recall.
This is especially important for adult learners like your employees. Adults need to know the ‘why’ of what they are learning before engaging in the learning process. They also bring varying degrees of knowledge and life experience into the new learning. By setting up context for the learning through scenarios or case studies, adults will be more motivated to learn and understand the logic behind the new information
What is a scenario?
A scenario, or case study, sets the stage for learning to occur. It establishes a ‘hook’ that draws the Learner in and helps the Learner relate the content to their own world and authentic work being done. It makes the content more relevant. All of us relate to and remember stories better than dry facts and disjointed content.
Why are scenarios important to introduce new learning?
Scenario-driven learning is a very effective approach to engaging Learners because it gives them control over their decisions during the learning process. Scenarios enable Learners to tap their already-established skills and apply them in real-life circumstances.
Learners are motivated when the skills they possess give them opportunities to improve. They will always appreciate real-life situations where their skills are put to the test. Scenario-driven learning simulates real-world situations and allows Learners not only to make one decision or another but to also take responsibility for what they’ve decided. What’s more, they can always get back on the right track in case they go for a less successful option.
Why add scenarios to a mentor-based learning model?
Because most employees have varied background knowledge about the content they are going to learn, they probably may not know what questions to ask. To pique their curiosity and get them thinking about topics, a scenario that is relatable AND open-ended gives them a place to start.
Also, there is NO RIGHT ANSWER in scenario-driven learning. Participants will work through thinking processes and propose solutions that they must support with evidence. They must tussle with big ideas and processes--how they are thinking is more important than what they are thinking.
Designing a good, engaging scenario to start a mentor learning experience is not easy but taking time to think through the learning process that you want Learners to engage in, the projects they might do, and the learning outcomes will successfully set the stage for sticky learning. It will also prepare them for the types of jobs and thinking it takes to be a successful team member in your business.
How does Inspired Classroom's MentorIC software make scenario building easier?
Scenario creation in an embedded feature in the MentorIC software platform. The platform includes guides and templateslike these to assist our Mentor part