A couple of weeks ago I came across an article about the significance of choices for readers’ sense of agency. The author shared her childhood reading experience with the Choose Your Own Adventure book series—gamebooks allowing the young readers to assume the role of the protagonist and make choices that determine the story flow and plot outcome. After taking a closer look at the series, I realized that these stories are branching scenarios, a learning model commonly employed in instructional design.
The fact that these books were published in the 1980s-1990s and were among the most popular children’s books at the time (continuing as best-sellers today) proves two things:
- Branching scenarios have served as effective learning tools for decades (longer than we might think).
- Branching scenarios are beloved by readers as engagement and enjoyment are brought forth, magically transforming learning experiences for individuals of all ages. (Parents say they love reading these books with their kids—just as much, if not more, than the kids themselves!)
What are Branching Scenarios?
Before we dive into the details of what makes branching scenarios enchantingly effective learning tools, let’s first be clear on what they are.
A branching scenario is an interactive form of learning that provides learners with an opportunity to make decisions with subsequent consequences that lead to new challenges and choices, unfolding a dynamic and unpredictable story (eLearning Industry, 2016). This learning model engages and entertains learners as they actively shape the narrative through their decisions.
So, What is the Branching Scenario Magic in the World of Adult Learning?
To better understand the power of branching scenarios and how this method can turn learning into a captivating journey, let’s look at the examples of learners who face challenges with traditional learning methods and explore how branching scenarios can help them.
| Traditional Learning | Branching Scenarios |
| Kira is enrolled in a compliance training session that includes a series of static rules and guidelines to memorize. Kira finds it hard to connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications and is worried that she will fail to cope with the challenges of her role. | In a compliance training branching scenario, Kira encounters ethical dilemmas where her choices lead to different consequences such as a simulated reprimand or positive reinforcement. This controlled setting allows her to understand the consequences of her decisions without actual risks, promoting a safe and impactful learning experience. Kira can explore various outcomes without real-world implications. |
| A newly appointed project manager is enthusiastic about adopting Agile project management approach and encourages the team to utilize Kanban boards for more effective project communication. Despite sharing a detailed PDF document outlining the Kanban methodology, the team members continue to adhere to the traditional communication methods, falling short of the manager’s expectations. | In a project management branching scenario, team members gain hands-on experience with embracing an Agile workflow approach by actively participating in the implementation of a Kanban board. They can navigate through different choices, such as selecting the right columns, establishing workflow rules, and adapting to changes in real-time. The branching scenario not only ensures the comprehension of the theoretical aspects of Agile project management but also allows to gain practical experience in applying the target techniques to real-world situations. |
| Joshua is taking a medical training course. As a visual-kinesthetic learner, he feels frustrated due to the lack of interactive visuals or dynamic presentations, and struggles with the passive nature of the course, where he is not actively participating in hands-on activities. | In a medical training branching scenario, Joshua can immerse himself in scenarios that require the analysis of visual patient symptoms, enabling him to observe and interpret medical information in a realistic context. Also, through interactive simulations, he can engage in practical scenarios where he makes critical decisions in patient care, fostering a deeper understanding of medical procedures and protocols. |
| Alex is learning Spanish. He’s enrolled in an e-learning language course where he is presented with a static set of conversational patterns with only one possible outcome, which limits his engagement and progress. Alex feels he’s hitting a wall. | In a language learning branching scenario, Alex can choose between various conversational responses, each leading to different storylines where his language proficiency directly affects the interactions and resolutions. When Alex sees the tangible impact of his choices on the scenario’s direction, it creates a sense of ownership and curiosity, fueling his motivation to explore different paths and outcomes. |
In Conclusion
By exploring situations where traditional learning methods fall short, we uncover how branching scenarios can…
- Create a safe space for experiencing consequences
- Provide opportunities for practical experience
- Adapt to individual learning styles
- Boost engagement and motivation
Transforming traditional – and sometimes stale – learning experiences into something more dynamic, personalized, and impactful is the magic of branching scenarios. Using them, an instructional designer can fully engage a learner in a space where they can make choices – and face consequences – without the pressure of failure, all while gaining practical experience in situations that mimic the real world.
If branching scenarios sound like they might be a good fit in your organization, Smartfirm can help! We have extensive experience writing and developing branching scenarios and would love to chat. Let’s create something magical. Reach out to us to learn how we can help you!
