The instructional scenario is one of the most crucial steps in designing a training module. It helps turn learning objectives into a clear, engaging, and practical learning experience. Too often, this step is reduced to a simple sequence of content or slides, when it should instead structure a meaningful and progressive learning journey.
Start with clear (and measurable) learning objectives.
Everything starts with defining the learning objectives. They set the direction for your scenario. These objectives should be clearly stated, avoiding vague verbs like ‘understand’ or ‘know.’ A strong objective describes an observable behavior in a specific context.
Example:
Less effective: “Understand the challenges of cybersecurity.”
Better: “Identify three cybersecurity risks in a given workplace environment.”
Using Bloom’s taxonomy is a best practice for defining objectives across different levels: knowledge, skills, analysis, synthesis, and more.
Tu veux que j’ajoute un lien vers une ressource en anglais sur la taxonomie de Bloom ?
Structuring a logical learning journey
Once the objectives are set, it’s time to think about the sequence of steps that will help the learner achieve them. This is what we call the learning pathway.
Key questions to ask to write an instructional scenario :
- What is the learner’s starting level?
- What knowledge or skills do they need to acquire along the way?
- In what logical order should the activities be delivered?
You can then design a structure based on blocks or sequences, such as:
- Knowledge refresher (if needed)
- Content delivery
- Practice or real-life scenario
- Feedback
Wrap-up or assessment:
Each step should have a clear purpose, and every activity must align with the initial learning objectives.
Focus on real-life scenarios (and cognitive engagement)
An effective instructional scenario goes beyond delivering content. It makes learners think, question, and choose. It places them in realistic contexts to actively engage and apply their skills.
This can take the form of:
- Real-world cases or role-playing
- Decision-making with branching consequences
- Personalized feedback
This is what we call active learning. It leads to better retention, as the learner is actively doing, testing, making mistakes, and improving.
With a tool like VTS Editor, it’s easy to build this kind of scenario: at every step, the learner plays an active role, facing decisions, conversations, and feedback.
Concevoir les feedbacks comme des leviers d’apprentissage
Feedback is not a punishment. It’s a central element of any effective scenario, and it should be planned from the design phase.
Some best practices:
- Provide differentiated feedback based on the learner’s choices
- Use a neutral and constructive tone
- Link back to the initial objective to reinforce meaning
You can also include multi-step feedback: a first hint or comment during the activity, followed by more detailed feedback at the end of the scenario.
Write a clear and actionable storyboard
The storyboard is the formatted version of your scenario, meant to be produced or handed off for production. It can take various forms, but it must always be clear and actionable.
It should include:
- The breakdown into screens or scenes
- The content to display or play (text, voiceover, images, etc.)
- The expected interactions (clicks, choices, navigation)
- The corresponding feedback
A good storyboard allows a developer or project manager to instantly understand the module. It serves as the bridge between instructional design and technical production.
Test, improve, refine
Like any product, a scenario should be tested before being finalized.
It’s not just about proofreading — it’s about stepping into the learner’s shoes.
Tips:
- Read the scenario out loud
- Ask for external feedback (from an instructional designer, trainer, or tester)
- Check for flow, logic, and cognitive load
With interactive tools like VTS Editor, you can quickly prototype your module and test it in a near-real environment before finalizing it.
In short: a well-designed scenario leads to impactful training.
Writing an instructional scenario isn’t about stacking content — it’s about designing a coherent and engaging learning journey with clear objectives. It means planning for interactions, anticipating possible mistakes, and providing meaningful feedback.
And finally, it’s about choosing the right tools to bring it to life.
With VTS Editor, you can bring your instructional scenarios to life in a way that’s intuitive, immersive, and impactful — thanks to interactive situations, tailored feedback, and realistic learner experiences.