Scenario-based Learning: Experiences from Construction Management Courses

Scenario-based learning (SBL) has been used in a variety of training situations across different disciplines. Despite its seemly widespread use in construction management discipline, very few attempts have been made to explore its effectiveness and the respective students' learning experience. Using a survey research design, this study aims to investigate students' perceptions on SBL approach in construction management courses. The specific objectives are: (i) to identify the characteristics of a favourable SBL environment, and (ii) to explore the students' learning experience and effectiveness of the SBL approach. The results show that the four characteristics of a favourable SBL environment are: effective team formulation, constant engagement with lecturer, working in a group, and incorporation of motivational incentive for participation. The students really appreciated the opportunities to apply concepts learnt in the lectures in their SBL group work. Also, they perceived that the SBL approach is effective in developing their reflective and critical thinking skills, analytic and problem-solving skills and their ability to work as a team. These findings should facilitate more critical approaches to similar form of teaching methods.