WHAT IS SBL?

Scenario-based learning is an active learning approach that puts students in a real-life scenario to diagnose the problem, consider different possibilities and look for solutions. It is found that the student learning experience is maximized because students are “embedded in situations that mirror the context in which learners later have to apply their acquired knowledge” (Bardach et al, 2021, p. 2).  As sustainability challenges manifest in different forms in different contexts, adopting SBL in group projects can fully present the interconnectedness and multi-dimensional nature of sustainable development in a rapidly changing world.

The learning process is shown in the diagram below:

Project

Students are assigned to the roles of More Developed Countries (MDCs) and Less Developed Countries (LDCs). Under different scenarios of real-life sustainability problems in MDCs and LDCs, they are required to choose a city to examine a particular sustainability issue/SDG under the impact of climate change.  They have to investigate the causes, seriousness, impacts and solutions under different scenarios of city experiences.

Project Findings

Project findings have to be presented in an inter-institutional seminar to encourage knowledge exchange between CUHK and CUHK(Shenzhen) students.

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Learning Outcome

This project is to enhance students’ understanding of the urban sustainability challenges lying ahead of us. Students will become active learners to decode the sustainability formula of different cities in achieving SDGs through case studies.

Reference: Bardach, L. , Klassen, R. M., Durksen, T.L., Rushby, J.V., Bostwick, K. and Sheridan, L. (2021) “The power of feedback and reflection: Testing an online scenario-based learning intervention for student teachers”, Computers and Education, Vol. 169, pp. 1-17.