The Benefits of Scenario-Based Learning

Scenario-based learning is learning by doing, where learners engage in an element in an e-learning course that involves them making decisions and taking actions that result in outcomes and consequences. Scenario-based learning can also be used to give learners the opportunity to practice new skills.

What are the benefits of including scenario-based learning in your training strategy and the e-learning courses you develop? The following advantages are important to consider.

Creates Engaging Learning Experiences

Training is often a passive experience for learners as large parts of training courses involve reading, watching, and listening. Scenario-based learning is different as it requires learners to be active participants, creating a more engaging learning experience.

Creates an Authentic Experience

Well-crafted scenario-based learning elements tell stories and create situations that learners are familiar with and can relate to. This makes the overall learning experience more authentic and less theoretical.

Creates a Safe Learning Environment

Scenario-based learning elements are virtual, creating a safe learning environment for learners to practice, make mistakes, and improve their skills. This includes safety from the business consequences of decisions and actions as learners build up their competency levels.

However, it can also include physical safety for training topics where the scenario-based learning element simulates a situation, task, or environment that is dangerous in real life.

Learn from Mistakes

There is often a desire on the part of both trainers and learners that mistakes should be avoided, but learning from mistakes can be an effective way to improve knowledge and skills. Scenario-based learning allows learners to make mistakes and understand what went wrong so they can learn and improve.

Minimises the Learning Curve

Whether a scenario-based learning element is designed to simulate a real-world situation or give learners the opportunity to practice, it will speed up the skill development and learning process. This reduces time to competency and minimises the learning curve.

Develops a Deeper Understanding

The ability to practice a skill, apply knowledge, and learn from mistakes helps learners develop a deeper understanding of the topic. In other words, learners are more likely to truly get it, rather than just knowing enough to pass the quiz at the end of the course. And when learners truly get the topic, they will be more likely to transfer the skill or knowledge to their day-to-day roles.

Enhances Knowledge Retention

A deeper understanding of the topic mentioned in the previous point also helps enhance knowledge retention. As a result, learners will be more likely to apply the new skill or knowledge not just in the immediate days and weeks following completion of the course, but also in the long term.

Builds Confidence

Knowledge and skills transfer is a key aim of training, i.e., where learners start to use what they learn in a training course to improve their performance and abilities on the job. We have mentioned in the previous two points that a deeper understanding of the topic and improved knowledge retention help with effective knowledge and skills transfer. Building confidence is also important.

Building confidence is important as learners can know what they need to do but lack the confidence to do it. Scenario-based learning elements give learners time to practice and build their confidence.

Builds Soft Skills

Scenario-based learning elements are often focused on developing specific skills or levels of knowledge. However, they often also offer the additional benefit of building soft skills. In a customer service-related scenario-based learning element, for example, the aim could be to train staff on a new workflow. However, as part of the process, learners can also continue to build their communication skills.

Suitable for Remote Learning

Scenario-based learning elements offer all the general benefits of e-learning, including the ability to offer the same standard of training to all employees, regardless of their location. Self-paced learning is another benefit, where learners can progress through the course at a time and speed that best suits them.

Reduces Training Costs

The fact that scenario-based learning is an e-learning element helps to reduce costs as e-learning is often a more cost-effective option than other training delivery methods. An even bigger cost-saving advantage of scenario-based learning is the fact it minimises the learning curve, helps learners develop a deeper understanding of the topic, and reduces time to competency. As a result, there is a reduced need for additional training, improving return on investment.

Applying Scenario-Based Learning to Your Online Training Courses

Corporate training can be a burden for many employees, especially if they are busy or find training courses are not very engaging. You can turn these attitudes around by using scenario-based learning in your online training courses. Learners will be more engaged, and they will value the training process more than before, helping to improve results and achieve your learning objectives.