Forms of Training for Meteorologists

1
Forms of Training for Meteorologists

• Matching Learning Activitiesto Audience,
  Content, Organization, and Performance

2
Forms of Training What are we talking about?

• Delivery Systems
• A logistical solution for instruction (When and
  where instruction takes place)
• Examples classroom courses, Web-based training,
  teleconferencing, on-the-job training,
  mentorship, performance support
• Instructional Medium
• The physical means of communication for
  instruction
• Examples face-to-face discussion, stand-alone
  computer, Internet-enabled computer, the
  telephone, video (recording or broadcast), a
  book, a white board, etc.
• Instructional Strategy
• The design of instructional activities, more to
  come

3
A System/Media Matrix
WBT Web-based Training
High Tech (Integrated Multimedia)
Instructor-led Forecast Lab
Interactive Multimedia
Dynamic WBT w/email contact
Performance Support
Live (Synchronous)
Teletraining
Self-paced (Asynchronous)
Video and Webcast
Text-based WBT w/email contact
Text-based WBT
OTJ Coaching
Classroom Lecture
Textbooks/Journals
Low Tech (Single Media)
4
Forms of Training More Selection Criteria

• Economic
• Organizational structure (distributed, schedules,
  etc.)
• Learning environment (work setting,
  classroom/home facilities, cultural, etc.)
• Learner characteristics and preferences
• Learning objectives (information, complex skills,
  integration into practice, etc.)
• What does research tell us about relative
  effectiveness of different instructional media
  for given circumstances?

No statistically significant differences
5
The Vital Factor

• Instructional Strategy
• An approach to the structure of instructional
  activities, independent of media selection or
  delivery system
• Examples
• lecture, simulation, small group discussion,
  tutorial, coaching, problem-based learning,
  case-based learning, communities of practice

6
First Principles of Instruction
Context/Prior Experience
Integration/ Transfer
Problem
Demonstration
Application/ Coaching
Adapted from Merrill (2002)
7
References

• Clark, R.C., (1984) Reconsidering research on
  learning from media. Review of Educational
  Research, Winter, 53(4), 445-459.
• Merrill, M. D. (2002) First principles of
  instruction. Educational Technology Research and
  Development, 50(3), 43-59.
• Wisher, R.A., et al. (1999) Training Through
  Distance Learning An Assessment of Research
  Findings. Advanced Training Methods Research
  Unit. U.S. Army Research Institute for the
  Behavioral and Social Sciences Alexandria, VA