How do you create scenario-based questions for E-Learning assessments?

Defining the learning objectives is the most critical part. You will need to understand the current situation amongst the students and the desirable situation and also distinguish between Must Have and Nice to Have objectives.

The constructivist approach can be broken down into five steps known as the Five E's: Engage: Students connect past learning, identify tasks, and prepare for activities through questions and stimulating events. Explore: Learners directly engage with materials, collaborating and building shared experiences. Explain: Students communicate their experiences using language and labels for abstract concepts. Elaborate: They expand on concepts, make connections, and apply knowledge to real-world situations. Evaluate: Ongoing assessment guides instruction, helping teachers adjust and enrich learning based on evidence of understanding. Viewing the evaluation process as a continuous one gives the constructivist approach a kind of cyclical structure.

In order to craft scenario-based questions, you’ll first need to find some real-life scenarios. My preferred approach is to ask the clients directly. I would focus on routine scenarios but would also ask about some more challenging incidents to incorporate into the questions. If feasible, that can be very beneficial to observe the employees in action to gather some additional insights.

Multiple choice questions and single choice questions are not very user-friendly. Three other types of formative assessment tools are: - Drag and drop onto image exercises allow learners to check if they can find their way around a sketch or a chart. They operate by simple drag and drop; - Gap-fill exercises with a contextual image require a little more concentration on the learner's part, but is very fruitful in ensuring that difficult concepts are well understood; - Categorization exercises complement the previous two activities well: learners organize elements into categories and thus learn to distinguish their characteristics;

Creating assessments based on realistic and authentic scenario-based questions begins and ends with real-life scenarios. It is much more effective if students can envision themselves in the situation. This way, you're not only assessing their responses and understanding, but also have the opportunity to deepen their readiness for when they eventually find themselves, whether for the first time or again, in similar situations to those tested. This is especially beneficial if you have the chance to discuss responses in the aftermath of the assessment.