Scenario-Based Learning in Technical Education: A Large Scale Materials Development Project

Foothill-De Anza Community College District, Los Altos Hills CA

Investigators

Abstract

This project is designing 18 scenario-based tasks, supplementing the 7 tasks created in a previously funded pilot project, with dissemination through the worldwide web. De Anza College, Tarrant College and Carnegie Mellon University West are utilizing the tasks to improve their technician education courses. The project is establishing online communities of faculty that are designing the tasks, in collaboration with local industries. SRI International is developing an Assessment Toolkit that will be distributed along with the tasks, and conducting research on the task development process and the resultant student learning. An Advisory Board is guiding the project. The scenarios for the tasks are open-ended, ill-structured problems that are based on problems that exist in local businesses and industries. These scenarios develop problem solving skills, teamwork, critical thinking, and applications of technology. The project is recruiting business and industry representatives to evaluate the instructional materials.