What is Deliberate Practice

This chapter provides a case study where a systematic, organized method of storytelling, presented as the Story-based Learning model, is used to design a series of integrated and engaging activities for cybersecurity training (to protect computer systems and networks) that fosters deliberate practice and improves performance. To address the talent shortage in the global cybersecurity workforce, the client developed a blended curriculum designed to provide practical experience to prospective cybersecurity professionals. A key component of this curriculum was the capstone exercises, activities focused on application of the content introduced in the courseware. Essentially, this is a story of using stories, one of humanity's oldest technologies, to solve the problem of training and cultivating expertise in future cybersecurity personnel. Based on solid prior evidence supporting the use of stories to increase engagement and retention, this case study focuses on detailing the thought process used to reach this set of solutions, as captured by the Story-based Learning model.