1.2 Why Teach with Branching Scenarios?: Pedagogical Foundations

Branching scenarios are teaching tools that align with experiential learning principles. The simulation of an interactive environment allows learners to apply their knowledge in practical, often complex situations. This method supports the development of competencies, which are broader than skills – encompassing knowledge, attributes, and the ability to apply learning in real-world contexts.

1.2.1 The Learning Potential of Branching Scenarios

Branching scenarios support several high-impact learning practices:

• Active learning: Engage learners by interacting with content in hands-on decision-making
• Experiential learning in low-stakes environments: Apply theoretical knowledge through decision-making and reflection reinforcing learning without real-world consequences
• Reflection and self-direction: Decision points prompt learners to evaluate their reasoning, fostering self-awareness, and autonomy
• Practice and feedback integration: Enable repeated practice while offering dynamic feedback for iterative improvement
• Authentic circumstances: Bridge gaps between academic knowledge and complexities of real-life application, deepening engagement with content

1.2.2 Experiential Learning

Experiential learning occurs in authentic contexts where learners decide what is important and determine the best outcome possible. Developing competencies requires engaging in activities that draw on those multiple variables and contexts. This can include authentic problems, real clients, or audiences beyond the classroom. Experiential learning mirrors the complexities and unpredictability of real-life situations helping to prepare for real-world challenges.

This approach emphasizes active learning in near-authentic contexts, where learners apply knowledge in dynamic situations requiring decision-making. As students navigate these scenarios, feedback from the problem itself, clients, peers, or other audiences inform their learning, enabling real-time adjustments and fostering continuous improvement. Learner reflection assesses the effectiveness of their approaches, identifying areas for growth, and internalizes insights for future application.

The alignment between experiential learning and authentic assessment lies in shared focus on real-world application and iterative development. Authentic assessments are designed to cultivate self-directed, reflective learners by mirroring professional challenges, ensuring acquired skills and knowledge are both relevant and transferable. This integration enhances learner ability to apply disciplinary learning in meaningful contexts, preparing for lifelong success.

One effective method within experiential learning is the concept of productive failure. Research has shown that starting with problem-solving before providing instruction can create powerful learning opportunities. This approach involves designing problems for learners to solve before being introduced to underlying concepts. Although learners may initially struggle, this failure is productive because it encourages deeper understanding and knowledge transfer. Branching scenarios allow for productive failure within the safety of the course design and is one way to bring experiential learning into the classroom while designing problem-solving competency.