Adaptive expertise focuses on flexible problem-solving skills rather than following set
procedures alone, preparing trainees to handle unexpected situations by understanding why certain procedures
are used and not just how to do them.
This style of training focuses on mental models of complex
systems and strategies to remediate a wide range of problems. The deeper knowledge acquired helps trainees
adapt and create new solutions in dynamic work environments. The approach makes the reasons behind tasks
clear, enhancing trainees' ability to adapt and innovate. It has been proved been proven effective time
and time again, in multiple studies.
Using this technique, The Air Force compressed nearly four years
of experience into five weeks, daily for one hour, for avionics technicians (Hall, Gott, & Pokorny,
1995).
The Navy supplemented simulation-based training with adaptive expertise techniques. Typically,
trainees followed radar maintenance procedures on a simulation. However, when trainees also answered questions
about the function of the procedures, their knowledge scores improved 24%, even though even though instruction
time increased by only 1% (Pokorny, Haynes, Gott, Chi, and Hegarty, 2014).
A major chip manufacturer
taught technicians how to diagnose and repair chip making equipment using adaptive expertise. Production lines
run 24/7, therefore up time is absolutely critical. Our training techniques reduced the time required to
diagnose and repair failures. The manufacturer knew how long it took historically to recover from each type of
fault. After all technicians received training, the first fault repair was done so much more quickly than
usual that the increased productivity paid for the entire development cost of the training system.
Training Challenges for New Grid Operators
The electric power grid
is experiencing significant stress due to fundamental changes in both supply-side and demand-side
technologies. New operators are entering an increasingly demanding environment with limited time for learning
through trial and experience.
New, innovative methods for the changing workforce, involving innovation
in visualization and decision-making to enhance training effectiveness, metrics to ensure competence in the
evolving power grid, and by incorporating new guidelines, the training for operators can be enhanced. This
will prepare the industry to effectively manage the complexities of modern power systems.
Some of
these guidelines include:
1. Performance Metrics
Ensure consistency with performance metrics linked to
authoritative analyses in the relevant technology space.
2. Innovation Merit
Clearly define the
merit of the proposed innovation compared to competing approaches.
3. Commercialization
Potential
Emphasize the overall effort's commercialization potential.
4. Quantitative
Projections
Include quantitative projections for price and/or performance improvement and tie these
projections to representative values in authoritative publications or comparisons to existing products.
InnoSys will present Grid Operator Assessment Training at the CAEL annual conference in New Orleans, LA, from October 30 - November 1, 2024. See the presentation virtually or in person by registering here.
Register
We’ve developed a platform technology using cognitive science principles:
Experiential Learning Platform Technology from InnoSys is supported by the Department of Energy and recognized by The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, validated by time-tested instructional principles.
The DOE Workforce Training for the Electric Power Sector Program Summary
Augmenting Simulations with Assessment and Coaching to Provide Effective Situated Learning
From Navy and Air Force studies to jet engine mechanics training gains, GOAT leads the way in instructional design.
