What is
Scenario-Based Learning
Scenario-based learning is an instructional approach that places students in realistic, context-rich situations where they must apply knowledge, make decisions, and solve problems—rather than simply recall information. For higher education faculty, scenario-based learning is a powerful way to help students bridge the gap between theory and practice, especially in courses that emphasize critical thinking, professional judgment, or real-world application. Research shows that organizations using scenario-based learning report 57 percent better knowledge retention and application compared with more traditional methods, making it an especially effective strategy for deep learning and long-term understanding (Association for Talent Development, 2021).
Instead of asking students what they know, scenario-based learning asks them what they would do. Students are typically presented with a situation that mirrors challenges they may encounter in their future careers and are guided by clear goals, constraints, and feedback as they work through the scenario. This makes learning more engaging, more authentic, and often more memorable than traditional assessments.
Why faculty use scenario-based learning
Faculty often turn to scenario-based learning when they want to:
- Rethink traditional assessments like exams or essays
- Emphasize skill development and applied learning
- Bring case studies to life through active participation
- Help students practice decision-making in low-stakes environments
- Encourage deeper engagement and reflection
Because scenarios can be adapted to many disciplines and teaching styles, they work well in a wide range of higher education courses.
What scenarios mean in Top Hat
In Top Hat, Scenarios are AI-powered role-playing activities designed to support scenario-based learning at scale. Students are placed inside a simulated real-world situation and interact with an AI persona that responds dynamically to their choices and input. Each scenario includes clear goals so students understand what they are working toward, whether that’s resolving a conflict, analyzing a case, or making a professional recommendation.
As students progress through the activity, they receive ongoing feedback from Ace, Top Hat’s AI-powered assistant, helping them reflect on their decisions and refine their approach in real time. This feedback loop supports learning during the activity—not just after it’s submitted.
Scenarios in Top Hat can be used in any course and are especially well suited for disciplines that commonly use case-based learning, such as Business, Healthcare, Psychology, and Political Science. That said, instructors are encouraged to think creatively. Scenarios are highly flexible and faculty will be able to author their own to align with their course objectives.