SAT Revisited — A Critical Post-Examination of the Systems Approach to Training

1975 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-273
Author(s):  
Robert C. Sugarman ◽  
Steven L. Johnson ◽  
William M. Hinton ◽  
Chester C. Buckenmaier

A unique application of the Systems Approach to Training (SAT) was carried out for the design of the B-1 aircrew instructional system. A preliminary report was presented at the 1975 Human Factors Society Meeting by Johnson, et aI, (1974) and Sugarman, et aI, (1974). Based on the additional experience, this presentation will share with the training community a look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of the SAT process. The particular application provided a harsh test of the process since the B-1 air vehicle is still in the developmental stages. This resulted in many opportunities to be faced with missing or incomplete data whose criticality to the analysis became more than apparent. The genral state-of-knowledge within Instructional System Development (ISD) itself is incomplete, which also became apparent when applying a highly structured (i.e., internally consistent and documented) SAT process. The major strength of the SAT process is the capability it provides for the justification of many decisions that were hitherto prone to hand-waving. This particular strength comes from the internal documentation for each decision process which is an important feature of SAT. The adequacy of the assumptions underlying the decision processes then becomes subject to scrutiny. The power of the documentation is enhanced by the use of computer aids in data management and economic analysis which facilitate the documentation. Within the present paper, problem areas which weaken the SAT process are also discussed. These include the data bases for the task analysis and economic/policy data, the media selection process, and the development of instructional strategies.

1974 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven L. Johnson ◽  
Chester C. Buckenmaier ◽  
Robert C. Sugarman

The use of a systems approach in the development of training programs is a relatively new innovation. This paper describes the methodology and output of the Instructional System Development (ISD) for the four crewmembers of the B-1 air vehicle. One of the most important attributes of the ISD approach is that only performance requirements necessary for completion of the mission are of importance. From the ensemble of these performance requirements and the entering skills and knowledges, the training objectives are identified. Subsequent to the determining of the skills and knowledges for which training is necessary, the objectives (criteria) that the student must meet and the conditions under which they will be accomplished, are specified. Tests are developed to measure the trainee's accomplishment of these criterion objectives. The methods and media considered for the instructional system are quite diverse. The simulation technology of importance to the B-1 training program includes not only complex flight and procedural trainers, but also electronic warfare simulators. The end product of the ISD effort is an efficient training program that is mission oriented rather than training for training's sake.


Author(s):  
Richard A. Kulp ◽  
Carl E. Childs ◽  
Sanford P. Schumacher

A need was identified to define a curriculum for Bell System management, technical, craft, and clerical personnel in the Network Operations Division. Traditional curriculum development efforts are geared to educational needs and philosophies rather than to providing a framework for training personnel to perform defined jobs. Instructional System Development (ISD) approaches are directed to developing training which satisfies job performance requirements. However, since they focus on producing courses, they usually provide less information about functional requirements and more information about detailed job requirements than is needed to build a curriculum. A modified systems/task analysis curriculum development approach which is more efficient than the ISD process is presented. The curriculum requirements, developmental methodology, and preliminary outcomes of the effort are discussed.


1977 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-131
Author(s):  
Janus Poppe

Instructional System Development (ISD) is a powerful tool for the design, development, and control of course content. The systems approach provides relevancy to education and training. The application and proper execution of system-analyzed courses will guarantee the greatest effectiveness at the least cost. Experience at the Naval Amphibious Schools has shown that before ISD concepts can be introduced in an educational institution, it is essential that the staff be trained in ISD principles and accept the concept. This in turn may require a parallel effort in organization development and a totally integrated training program that will effectively shape the attitudes and behavior at a command. Such a program at the Naval Amphibious School included executive development for all department heads and senior enlisted personnel, workshops in instructional system development for course managers and the instructor staff, and staff training in skill development. A series of workshops for civilian personnel and even a one-day workshop for wives were part of this program. This approach brought about the successful completion of a total modernization of an educational program and the emergence of a truly effective organization.


1975 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blaine N. Lee

Instructional System Development (ISD) is a five-step process for curriculum development using the systems approach. The interacting steps answer the questions, “What do we teach,” “How do we teach it,” and “How do we know it has been taught.” The process includes the following: (1) Analyze system requirements; (2) define education or training requirements; (3) develop objectives and tests; (4) plan, develop and validate instruction; and (5) conduct and evaluate instruction. The applications of ISD that have resulted in current Air Force technical training have utilized numerous innovations in instructional technology, and have led to cost avoidance by reducing training time. The goal of ISD is cost-effective training that meets the needs of the field.


1987 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Squy G. Wallace ◽  
Paul Sheffield

Application of the Instructional System Development (ISD) model to large scale training development projects has frequently been criticized for failing to develop and deliver training materials in a timely manner. This article discusses the advantage of using a computer-generated graphic portrayal of task analysis data and the use of computer macros to streamline the training development process.


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