Goal Based Learning

“Natural learning goals that have to do with increased understanding or increasing one’s power to operate successfully in various endeavors get replaced by artificial learning goals that have to do with acceptance, approval, and socialization” – Schank

The Goal Based scenarios (GBS) framework is an example of a computer based learning environment (Driscoll. P404). GBS does not rely on the traditional use of objectives. It combines the natural interests of the students with the teacher’s implicit goal. GBS does offer a specific achievable goal. The nature of the goal mimics that of a mission (E.g. Control world hunger). The goals targetted skills may include learn about the population of 3rd world countries, birth control, and the distribution of food around the world.

The teacher sets the goal, and the students become owners of achieving the mission. This is a constructivist approach to teaching.

The following are six GBS steps:

1. Identify target skills

• GBS tends to use Bloom’s taxonomy higher goal competencies, e.g.,evaluate, synthesize, compare

2. Develop missions that require the use of the targeted skills

• the mission or goal should relate to the learner needs and interests

3. Choose a focus or a general class of skills the student will learn

• design - create an artifact


• diagnosis - analyze or explain problems faced by a group


• discovery - apply techniques or strategies from one group to another


• control - manage simulated setting

4. Create a cover story for the mission

• Use Keller’s ARCS to entice the learner in getting engaged with the topic


• Use a mission or story that shows the urgency and importance of the goal

5. Plan the operations

• Provide small units of activity (e.g., answering a question, using a tool or simulation, searching for information)

6. Build learning environments to support the target skills

• simulated work environments (e.g., hospitals, computer labs, tv news stations, foreign affairs office)


• provide various web links to get the students started in the right direction

Resources:
Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of Learning for Instruction, 3rd Edition. New York: Allyn & Bacon. http://www.edtech.vt.edu/edtech/id/models/gbs.html
http://www.edtech.vt.edu/edtech/id/models/gbs.html