Scenario based learning is an instructional strategy that provides a relatable experience for learners. It supports active learning strategies and is structured around a complex system. Not to mention, students can apply their problem-solving skills and critical thinking. And because SBL is linear, you get feedback from students based on the decisions they make. Here is everything you should know about scenario-based learning.

What can be taught with SBL?

SBL is useful when a task requires problem-solving and analysis. You can apply the strategy when the decision you make affects how things go later. For instance, if you ask wrong questions to a client, you’ll have less information to close the deal. The other cases you can use SBL include:

Interpersonal communication skills training

SBL can naturally fit in digital role play because it allows the learners to apply the knowledge and have meaningful feedback. Also, you can use a strategy in communication between managers and their teams, imitate sales and customer service dialogue, etc.

Challenges that require critical thinking

Let’s say you have routine tasks – one can be filling a customer profile while the other requires a deeper analysis. Of course, a situation like equipment troubleshooting cannot be studied through theoretical reading. With SBL, you can branch the two scenarios without thinking of how to reach the desired outcome.

High-risk tasks

A mistake by professionals like the military, surgeon, and pilot can be dangerous. And who would be ready to fly with a pilot on practice? This is where SBL comes in. It allows learners to make mistakes to replace the real-life experience. When they are in a simulated environment, they can make mistakes without physical harm.

Mandatory compliance training

If a company requires mandatory compliance training like fire safety, inclusion, or ethical issues, it should use SBL. This may not be an exciting topic for many but comes with serious consequences when the employees don’t do it right. An immersive-based training puts employees into a realistic context where they see the results and change the behavior.

A successful SBL strategy should create a learning experience that is engaging, motivating, relevant, and rewarding.