The BOW Model in Training Design: A Practical Tool for RTOs and Trainers

By Contextualised Learning Resources

In vocational education and training (VET), trainers, instructional designers, and RTO managers constantly face decisions, from designing learning resources to guiding learners on career pathways. A simple yet powerful decision-making tool that supports these choices is the BOW model.

But what exactly is the BOW model in training, and how can it help us contextualise learning for diverse student cohorts, whether through andragogical (adult) or pedagogical (child-focused) approaches?

Let’s explore how the BOW model can transform your training resource development and classroom delivery.

What is the BOW Model in Training?

The BOW model is a practical decision-making tool widely used in business and increasingly applied in education and training. It stands for:

Best
OK
Worst

When developing training resources or planning classroom activities, using the BOW model helps trainers and RTO teams simplify decisions. It forces us to identify three clear options:

Best: The optimal choice that achieves training outcomes effectively.
OK: An acceptable but less ideal option.
Worst: The option with the highest risk or least benefit.

Beyond the acronym, the BOW model offers two powerful metaphors that align perfectly with education and training practice.

Two BOW Models: Ship’s Bow vs. Bow and Arrow

“BOW” has two meanings:

The bow of a ship, which points forward into the unknown
A bow and arrow, which is aimed precisely at a target

These metaphors beautifully illustrate the difference between:

Andragogical learning (adult-focused), which is the ship’s bow approach
Pedagogical learning (child-focused), which is the bow-and-arrow approach

Understanding these metaphors is crucial for trainers working on contextualisation in VET.

The Ship’s Bow Model: Andragogical Learning in VET

In the ship’s bow model, the captain looks out toward the horizon and sets a direction, even though they do not know every detail of the journey. This perfectly reflects andragogical learning, where:

Adult learners are self-directed.
They value practical and relevant learning experiences.
They prefer flexibility and opportunities for exploration.

In this model, trainers become navigators rather than commanders, helping learners chart their own paths.

Contextualisation Example:

An RTO delivering BSBESB401 – Research and Develop Business Plans might:

Provide diverse case studies from multiple industries.
Let learners choose business ideas relevant to their career goals.
Offer adaptable templates that learners can modify for their workplace.

Using the BOW model helps trainers present:

Best: Flexible, learner-driven projects
OK: Industry-specific case studies only
Worst: Generic textbook examples that are unrelated to learners’ industries

This approach suits RPL assessments, coaching, and customised learning pathways.

The Bow and Arrow Model: Pedagogical Learning in VET

In the bow and arrow model, you aim for a specific target. Once you release the arrow, you cannot change its path. This is a great analogy for pedagogical learning, where:

Learning is structured and teacher-led.
Clear, specific outcomes are the focus.
Learners need guidance to achieve success.

This approach suits contexts such as:

VET in Schools programs
Mandatory compliance training
Training for new entrants into an industry

Contextualisation Example:

An RTO delivering CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card) might:

Use realistic site photos from local construction sites.
Provide safety signage familiar to regional workplaces.
Design simulations for common on-site scenarios.

With the BOW model:

Best: Interactive simulations of local worksites
OK: Photo-based slides and quizzes
Worst: Generic and irrelevant examples from overseas contexts

This ensures learners are prepared for real-world environments.

Connecting the BOW Model to Contextualisation in VET

CEO and founder of MRWED Training and Assessment, Marc Ratcliffe, says, “TAEASS412 talks about customising the assessment process and then contextual single assessment activities.” He also added, “For TAEASS412 Assess competence, element 2 looks at customisation, then it is referenced again in PC3.1, and Contextualisation is referenced in PC4.1”

In addition to their accredited training, MRWED provides an extensive range of professional development workshops and webinars for VET practitioners and is the exclusive Australian Licensee for Bob Pike’s Train-the-Trainer Boot Camp, the world’s most respected train-the-trainer program.

Contextualisation is critical for RTO compliance and for achieving quality learning outcomes. It means tailoring learning resources to:

Your specific learner cohort
Industry expectations
Local workplace practices
Funding and regulatory requirements

Using the BOW model in training resource development helps trainers and RTOs:

✅ Identify the Best, OK, and Worst approaches for resource design.
✅ Balance learner autonomy (andragogy) with structure (pedagogy).
✅ Avoid generic materials that fail to engage learners.
✅ Ensure compliance while maintaining flexibility for different industries.

Practical Tips: Using the BOW Model for Training Decisions

Here’s how to apply the BOW model in your RTO or classroom:

Define Your Learning Outcomes
- Are you aiming for exploratory learning (ship’s bow) or precise skills (bow and arrow)?
List Three Options
- For content, activities, and assessments, list a Best, OK, and Worst approach.
Contextualise for Learner Cohorts
- Adult learners thrive on flexibility, while newer learners may need structured guidance.
Document Decisions
- Record why you chose certain approaches, both for compliance and for quality audits.
Test and Refine
- Seek feedback from trainers and learners to improve contextualisation.

Conclusion: Two Bows, One Powerful Tool for RTOs

Both metaphors of the BOW model belong in your RTO toolkit:

The ship’s bow model empowers adult learners to navigate flexible career paths.
The bow and arrow model ensures precision when specific job competencies are required.

By integrating the BOW model into your contextualisation strategy, you can design training resources and classroom experiences that:

✅ Engage learners
✅ Meet compliance standards
✅ Drive successful outcomes

At Contextualised Learning Resources, we specialise in helping RTOs create contextualised training materials that align with both adult learning theory and industry expectations.

Need Help Implementing the BOW Model in Your RTO?

If you would like practical help applying the BOW model to your training resources, book a free 15-minute discovery call with our team at Contextualised Learning Resources. We are passionate about helping RTOs deliver quality, contextualised learning.

Part of The Inception Network Australia.