A critical component of combat readiness lies in the skills and knowledge of the deployed personnel. However, these skills are highly perishable without continued training. Embedded training (ET) is one potential solution to the problem of maintaining a maximum level of operator readiness. The objectives of ET are to build on existing knowledge, diagnose and correct deficiencies as efficiently as possible, consolidate skills through practice, and acquire new knowledge and skills. ET effectiveness can be increased by implementing instructional technologies that promote efficient acquisition and retention of skills and knowledge. Current research on the application of cognitive learning principles to training provides precise instructional methods and implementation techniques. Recent research at the Institute for Simulation and Training (IST), in collaboration with the Naval Training Systems Center (NTSC), has demonstrated the power of this cognitive learning approach in applied Navy training environments. Significant improvements were found in the instructional capabilities of tactical console ET lessons.

The present effort involves evaluating this instructional methodology using a Computer-Aided Submode Training (CAST) lesson of the Navy's Aegis weapons system. CAST was selected because it provides an ideal environment for implementing cognitively-based instructional enhancements. It incorporates a well-developed ISD methodology, which provides a framework to build a more specific cognitive learning approach. A CAST lesson was restructured according to the cognitive task analysis methodology. Performance on the cognitive lesson was then empirically compared to performance achieved on the original lesson. Trainees receiving the cognitively structured lesson significantly outperformed trainees receiving the original lesson by an average improvement of 47%. These findings strongly support previous research concerning the merits of this cognitive approach to learning.