Classroom Managment Strategies

This concept project is a scenario based eLearning project that tests novice educators on their abilities to successfully manage their classrooms.

Audience: Novice teachers entering the classroom for the first time
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Design, and Data Analysis
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline, Adobe XD, Adobe Photoshop
Experience the Full Project

Overview

Some school districts lack teacher training for new teachers outside of procedures and compliance training. Sometimes, this leads to new teachers feeling like they lack the district support they need to be successful. This leads to teachers walking away from education and parents believing that teachers aren’t equipped to manage classrooms.

I identified the need for this training after speaking with fellow teachers across the district that felt they were not well trained in different skills prior to entering the classroom which led to feelings of doubt their faith in their administrative teams and districts. I confirmed the need and decided to develop scenario-based eLearning to help bridge these gaps.

Most school districts already require online training for new teachers, so this fits nicely into their process and is a cost effective and accessible way to ensure all incoming teachers have access to different types of training topics.

Process

I designed this Scenario Based eLearning course by applying a combination of my own experience and discussions with SMEs in the education field. I used action mapping, scenario-based learning, Articulate Storyline 360, and Adobe Illustrator to design and develop this eLearning experience.

Action Map

After speaking with fellow educators, the need for this training became very clear. Using the combination of my own experience, discussion with SMEs, and input from another SME (retired educator), I was able to identify the actions that teachers needed to perform in order to handle these conversations successfully. I compiled this information in an action map, and then I worked with the SMEs to identify the 5 most vital actions for us to address.

Text-based Storyboard

Using my action map as the groundwork, I then created a text-based storyboard for this project, referencing my conversations with SMEs to create a very realistic scenario.

The idea for this scenario had two major requirements: it needed to be relatable and realistic. The simulation puts you into the shoes of a new teacher who must navigate their first complicated parent interaction. Emotions are high and the learner must navigate the situation professionally.

The text-based storyboard includes a breakdown of the scenario by question, including answer choices, prompt text, character texts, and consequences. If the learner gets stuck, they are able to seek help from the mentor character, April, before making a choice. Positive and negative consequences help the learner to understand the “why?” behind their error and steer them onto the right path, as well.

Visual Mock-ups

Before creating a visual storyboard and prototype, I designed the art style, curating vectors, and editing those vectors in Adobe Illustrator to ensure they fit the feel of the project.

This helped streamline my creative process and allowed me to develop several iterations quickly, leading up to the final prototype.

Interactive Prototype

The next step was to develop an interactive prototype with Articulate Storyline 360. I incorporated many Storyline features such as states, triggers, and layers. As the content was already approved and ready to go, the main feedback needed was on visuals and programming. After programming and designing the first two questions, it was time to stop and get feedback. Using the features in Review 360, I was easily able to acknowledge and apply the feedback that helped to make it more intuitive for the learner: such as spacing, refining the prompt texts, and button design.

I also sought feedback from SMEs on the visuals, especially the character screens, to ensure that they were both visually appealing and realistic for the learner.

Full Development

After receiving approval for the prototype, I proceeded to finish developing the full product. Having already programmed the first two questions with the appropriate states, triggers, and layers, it took no time at all to turn around the final project. Having the prototype approved and completed beforehand helped to streamline this process and make it extremely efficient.

One part of this project that I am very proud of is learning Articulate Storyline. It was a fun process and I am extremely thrilled at how much I learned about states and triggers in the process.

Experience the Full Project!

Results and Takeaways

Upon completion of this project, I shared it with my client, SMEs, and the greater instructional design community. The project was very well received, with many commenting on the bright art style, intuitive design, and realistic scenario.

Bringing my curriculum design skills to the table helped turn this into a professional, effective tool for the client. This training should be helpful for years to come and assist new teachers in assimilating to their new role.