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scenario-based learning in action for impactful eLearning programs.


Use them to make
learning memorable!

Scenarios simulate critical thinking and help you see things
beyond the obvious.

Which of the two is more impactful?


Scenario-Based Learning: Engage, Apply, and Retain Knowledge for Effective eLearning

Simply stating a rule does provide the learners with the information they need but presenting it in a form of a scenario tells them a lot more. It not only informs the learner of the rule to be followed but also portrays when and how it’s possible that they might slip on it. And topping it up with the consequences, leaves a greater impact.

Taking the scenario pictured above a little further, the carelessness of one can clearly disturb the daily routine of many others, the consequences of which might be beyond the scope of the scenario. Thus, dictating the importance of adherence to the rule.

Upside Learning is well au fait of the potential of scenario-based learning and uses it optimally in relevant learning programs to impact all three – learning engagement, retention, and application.

Scenarios make courses engaging, real, and effective!

We use scenarios in various forms in the learning interventions we create.

Cluster of Mini-Scenarios

Short scenarios under one umbrella story to emphasize one piece of content at a time.

Course with mini-scenarios ensures variety and keeps learners amused and attentive. This ensures that each piece of content is understood and comprehended well.

Scenarios with Q&A

Pairing scenarios with Q&A is one of the most effective strategies to stimulate critical thinking and facilitate decision-making.

This strategy takes the learning a notch up by allowing the learners to apply what they comprehended in a risk-free environment. It provides them with the consequences so that learners retain the importance of the concepts covered and avoid any pitfalls.

Branched Scenarios

Multiple paths show the impact of the choices made by learners as they progress through the scenario.

Branched Scenarios give learners control of the situation and provide a clear picture of the path they choose. This can have a direct transfer of learning, leading learners to take the onus of the situation in real life as well and not commit mistakes that could have unexpected consequences.

Scenarios add life to a course, given they are the ‘RNC’ types!

Non-Hypothetical

Ensure scenarios are based on the learner’s day-to-day life experiences and are real-like.

Relevant to the learners

Ensure they are relevant to the learners as well as to the situation that we want to limn in the course. We do not present a scenario that might be relevant to a Manager in a training for a Sales Associate!

Shows the Consequence

End each scenario with a consequence to complete it. It should be clear what would happen when a certain path of action is taken.

Scenario Based

Non-Hypothetical

Ensure scenarios are based on the learner’s day-to-day life experiences and are real-like.

Scenario Based

Relevant to the learners

Ensure they are relevant to the learners as well as to the situation that we want to limn in the course. We do not present a scenario that might be relevant to a Manager in a training for a Sales Associate!

Scenario Based

Shows the Consequence

End each scenario with a consequence to complete it. It should be clear what would happen when a certain path of action is taken.

In addition to these, there could be a few more things to consider while creating effective scenarios like the length, complexity, etc. The key is to keep a scenario short, simple, and to the point.

Scenario based Learning
Solution Spotlight

The Challenge

Disseminating the policy content as a document included a lack of learner motivation and the absence of an observable change in behavior. Moreover, the staff was always busy!

Our Solution

A program was developed using day-to-day scenarios with a focus on conveying the ‘what’s-in-it-for-me’ for staff, addressing the predictability, monotony, and prescriptive tone of compliance-related content.

Benefits of the Solution

Provided relevant and relatable information through scenarios that covered situations based on real-life incidents reported, which involved risks to life and property.

Ensured an easy grasp of content as the content was drafted in a more natural and fluid way and involved the use of scenarios supported with semi-comical illustrations to support.

Provided a flexible, self-paced learning experience through a self-contained mobile learning unit that learners could access anytime, anywhere, on the device of their choice.

What challenges did we face? What results were achieved? Want to know more about this case?

The Challenge

Needed an intervention that would help the employees apply ‘Main Message Up Front' or MMUF (an internal, company-specific guideline) effortlessly when writing reports and carrying out other non-technical communication.

Our Solution

An intervention that equips employees with the required communication skills, our solution was developed considering three main aspects: business-specific scenarios to trigger decision-making, a practice-focused approach, and a responsive design.

Benefits of the Solution

Provided contextualized situations to engage with the content.

Provided an opportunity to make decisions and reflect on the rationale as well.

Multi-device friendly course provided the flexibility to experience the course on personal devices.

What challenges did we face? What results were achieved? Want to know more about this case?

The Challenge

Create effective training to ensure zero cyber security incidents for all employees at all levels and in all functions.

Our Solution

A solution with an activity-based learning section followed by an interactive scenario-based assessment. The activity-based learning required the learners to observe and interact with content elements and/or characters from the scenario to evaluate the situation and make a decision.

Benefits of the Solution

Provided an opportunity to ‘learn by doing’ through decision-making in the scenarios presented in the course.

Provided an engaging learning experience through animations and stories.

Multi-device support ensured easy access to the course.

What challenges did we face? What results were achieved? Want to know more about this case?

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