Goal-Based Scenarios

Abstract

Schank argues that educational systems (for schools or business)should be redesigned so they consist of goal-based scenarios (GBS). The intent of a GBS is to provide motivation, a sense of accomplishment and a support system for the student, along with a focus on skills rather than facts. Goal-based scenarios allow students to pursue well-defined goals that they can recognize and understand. These goals must be of inherent interest to the student, and the skills needed to accomplish them must be used by the student in pursuit of the goal in question. The key is to embed instruction inside a student-developed need-to-know situation. When students want to know something to help them in a task they will be determined to learn what they need to know. Subjects such as cost accounting or geography should never be taught separately, but rather introduced within the context of a GBS to assist the student in successfully meeting the goals established by the scenario. Specific examples of GBSs for both schools and business training are provided.