What is Scenario-Based Learning (SBL)

The use of Scenarios in the classroom is not new. It is a way to immerse a student in the learning process by role playing. The student must become a part of the scenario to solve a specific problem. It has been called Problem-Based Learning (PBL).

However, what if WE did not define the exact details of the problem? What if the student defines the details of the problem? If the problem is uniquely defined then only a unique solution will solve it. This is VERY powerful but initially scary for your students!

Students NEED a special set of thinking skills to define the problem. Students need Computation Thinking Skills.

Thus, we have paired Computational Thinking with Scenario-Based Learning.

At first, students are disoriented and confused. They want to be GIVEN the information. This is the way they have always been taught.

HOWEVER, when they realize the power of creating a problem that even YOU (the teacher) do not have an answer for, they become empowered and immersed in the scenario that they control.

THEN, the teacher becomes a facilitator. The teacher can be more involved in the learning process rather than poking-proding toward the "right answer."

Many scenarios have been created for all different topics. Here are some URLs that you will have time to revisit during the hands-on portion of the workshop.

NSF CPATH Grant - Advancing the Successful IT Student through Enhanced Computational Thinking (ASSECT)

http://www.batec.org/cpath/ [Click STUDENT SECTION Menu item]

This site contains scenarios in the following topics:

Experiential Learning Center

http://learnpbl.com/

The Experiential Learning Center was established to oversee new approaches to teaching and learning in which students learn by doing, and simulate real world work experience. The Destination: Problem-Based Learning project extends our support of the scenario-based learning community to the broader world of problem-based learning.

This site contains scenarios in the following topics: