Embedded Files
A practical training solution focused on interpretation, decision-making and operational clarity.
Project Overview
Project Overview
This project transforms a highly technical laboratory module into a scenario-based learning experience that teaches learners to interpret Listeria laboratory results and make confident operational decisions.
Target learners include plant technicians, junior analysts, and new graduates with little confidence around scientific terminology.
Key facts:
20–30 min microlearning
Scenario-based design
Task-focused content
No lab technique training—only interpretation
Final branching scenario for mastery
Includes a Job Aid for real-time performance
Instructional Intent — Clarity in Laboratory Result Interpretation
Instructional Intent — Clarity in Laboratory Result Interpretation
This module was designed to help learners interpret laboratory results for Listeria and make confident, consistent operational decisions. It focuses on understanding what lab reports mean, not on performing laboratory techniques.
Technical elements are included only when they appear in real reports. The tone is clear and supportive, reducing anxiety around scientific terminology and helping learners focus on what they must do in the plant.
Design Rationale — Scenario-Based Microlearning for Real Decisions
Design Rationale — Scenario-Based Microlearning for Real Decisions
The training uses Merrill’s First Principles to lead learners from recognition to applied judgment. Scenario-based learning supports the real job task: contextual decision-making, not memorising microbiology theory.
Content was filtered to keep only what helps learners interpret reports and choose the right action. Guided examples, realistic scenarios and a final branching activity ensure immediate workplace transfer.
Task Analysis — What the Learner Actually Needs to Do
Task Analysis — What the Learner Actually Needs to Do
The SME’s technical material described laboratory procedures in detail, but the real job task for learners is interpretation and action, not execution. Through analysis, I identified the core behaviors required for successful performance:
Recognise the method or enrichment step referenced in a report.
Interpret the terminology (“Detected”, “Not detected”, Listeria spp, L. monocytogenes, CFU/g).
Classify sample type and associated risk (Zone 1 vs Zone 2).
Select the appropriate operational action: re-clean, re-sample, escalate or continue.
Understand the impact of results on positive release.
Document the decision clearly.
Apply judgement consistently in complex or ambiguous cases.
This task analysis is the backbone of the entire module: every scenario and activity supports these skills.
Final Branching Scenario
Final Branching Scenario
Learners complete a mastery-level branching scenario based on a combined report with three samples:
ISO 11290-1 presumptive positive (Zone 1)
Listeria spp (Zone 2)
10 CFU/g result in finished product (ISO 11290-2)
This scenario mirrors real decisions made on the plant floor.
They must:
Identify method and enrichment workflow
Interpret results correctly
Balance surface risk
Choose operational actions
Decide on positive release
Justify their reasoning
Download & deliverables
Download & deliverables
Key artefacts created during the design process and included in the final submission.
Storyboard
Storyboard
Key screen structure used to build the microlearning experience.
Instructional Blueprint
Instructional Blueprint
High-level map showing flow, objectives, content strategy and learner experience.
IDD – Design Document
IDD – Design Document
Detailed design document outlining goals, analysis, scenarios and development strategy.
Job Aids
Job Aids
Practical tools designed to be used during a shift.
Summary of method names, result types, action pathways and documentation requirements as easy to follow steps and checklist.
A decision map that helps food-quality teams turn Listeria lab reports into clear, defensible actions.
Impact & measurement (pre/post)
Impact & measurement (pre/post)
How it’s measured (no extra tools):
The module includes a built-in baseline and a final mastery assessment using the same decision criteria. The opening cold open captures “as-is” performance, and the final mastery branching scenario (plus rationale task) measures improvement at the end.
Key indicators (before vs after):
Correct first step: verifies method + portion/support + result status before interpreting.
Appropriate temporary decision: applies hold when results are presumptive/pending.
Correct format interpretation: distinguishes detection vs enumeration (cfu/g or <LOQ).
Quality of reasoning: the “order the statements” task checks a minimum logic sequence (verify → interpret → decide → document).
Operational efficiency: time-to-defensible decision (captured via activity timing if available, or observed during a short pilot).
Interested in scenario-based learning or food-safety training solutions? Let’s connect.
Interested in scenario-based learning or food-safety training solutions? Let’s connect.
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