Playthrough

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Playthrough

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INFLUENCE TACTIC

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Playthrough

Introduce new elements in a safe, easy setting to make learning less intimidating.

What is it:

When you're learning something new, it often feels like you're stepping into the unknown. This can be daunting. Playthroughs simplify this process by turning learning into an engaging, interactive experience—much like exploring a new level in a video game before facing the real challenge.

This approach allows you to experiment with new skills in a setting that mimics real-life situations but without the immediate stakes. It’s about giving you a sandbox where you can build and test your abilities safely. As you navigate through these simulated scenarios, you not only learn what works and what doesn’t but also gain the confidence to apply these skills more effectively in the real world.

When to use it best:

How to use it:

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1. Create Fun Learning Scenarios

   Start by setting up scenarios that replicate real-life tasks in a fun and simplified way. This approach should make learning feel like playing a game, engaging learners as they explore new concepts.

   How can we make learning scenarios both fun and educational?

   What features can we add to make these scenarios a seamless part of learning?

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2. Encourage Trying New Things

   Motivate learners to test various methods within these scenarios to find out what suits them best. This hands-on approach reinforces learning through practical experience.

   How can we encourage learners to safely try out different strategies?

   What kind of feedback can we provide to help guide their learning?

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3. Adjust Challenges As Needed

   Change the level of difficulty based on how well the learner is doing, much like video game levels. This keeps the challenge suitable and achievable.

   How can we change the difficulty to keep things interesting but manageable?

   What tools can we use to track progress and adjust tasks accordingly?

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4. Provide Help When Needed

   Ensure learners can easily access support and extra resources as they go through the playthroughs. This help should be available whenever needed but should not interrupt the learning flow.

   What kind of support and resources do learners need during playthroughs?

   How can we make these resources easy to access without getting in the way of learning?

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5. Celebrate Achievements

   Acknowledge learners' successes to keep them motivated. Encouraging them to think about what they’ve achieved helps deepen their understanding.

   What achievements should we celebrate to recognize progress?

   How can we encourage learners to reflect on their learning?

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6. Adapt to All Learning Styles

   Let learners adjust their playthrough experience to match their own learning preferences. This personalization makes the learning process more relevant and effective for each learner.

   How can we make playthroughs flexible to suit different learning styles?

   What options can we offer to let learners customise their learning experience?

What’s the science
behind it?

• Self-Determination Theory

  SDT is a framework in behavioural science that explores the motivation behind choices that people make without external influence and interference. This theory focuses on the degree to which an individual's behaviour is self-motivated and self-determined.
  At the core of SDT are three basic psychological needs:
  
  - Autonomy: Feeling in control of your own actions.
  - Competence: Feeling skilled and capable of achieving tasks.
  - Relatedness: Feeling connected to others and cared for.
  
  
  The Playthrough tactic aligns with the three fundamental needs.
  - Autonomy: Playthroughs offer a simulated environment where people make choices and explore different strategies without real-world consequences, enhancing their sense of control over their learning.
  - Competence: These simulations provide a safe space for people to develop and test their skills, helping them see progress and build confidence without the risk of serious repercussions.
  - Relatedness: When conducted in group settings, playthrough can foster a sense of community among participants, enhancing their feeling of connection through shared learning experiences.

• Flow Theory

  Developed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, describes a state of deep immersion and engagement in activities, often referred to as being "in the flow." This state is characterized by a person's complete focus on an activity, coupled with a high level of enjoyment and fulfillment. Key elements of flow include having clear goals, receiving immediate feedback, and a balance between the challenge of the task and the individual's skill level.
  The Playthrough tactic naturally creates the perfect conditions for flow, which is essential for deep learning and engagement. In playthroughs, clear goals guide people through the learning process, providing a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved. This clarity sets the stage for deep focus and immersion, known as flow. People also receive instant feedback on their actions, allowing them to adjust their strategies quickly and maintain a strong sense of engagement and progress. Additionally, playthroughs are tailored to match the challenge of the task with the person's skills. As individuals improve, the challenges increase appropriately, keeping the activity balanced and engaging, which is crucial for sustaining flow.

• Situated Learning Theory

  Learning occurs best when it is contextual and takes place as part of social interaction and real-life activity. Developed by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger, this theory emphasizes that learning should not be seen as merely an internal, individual process but as a social practice, involving engagement in a community of practice where knowledge is inherently linked to the context in which it is used.
  The Playthrough tactic effectively uses Situated Learning Theory by embedding learning within scenarios that closely resemble real-life situations. This approach enables active engagement, where individuals participate in tasks that mirror practical activities, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of learning. People not only interact with each other and the simulated environment, fostering a dynamic social component, but also see the immediate consequences of their decisions. This integration helps learners directly apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, making the educational experience more impactful and relevant to everyday life.

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