With the publication of the Army Learning Model (ALM; U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, 2011), the Army seeks to shift the nature of instruction from instructor-centric to learner-centric and integrate technology into training and education to a greater extent than has been done in the past. Specifically, the ALM directs course proponents to: 1) Use more problem-solving approaches in the classroom, with instructors adopting a facilitator role rather than a lecturer role. 2) Customize content and methods to learners’ needs. 3) Increase the use of interactive technology in learning. Recent research efforts to develop a framework to select, develop, and evaluate Army instructors revealed a lack of requirements for instructors of adult learners in an environment of interactive, engaging, and learner-centric education. Through a review of military and education literature and a workshop with subject matter experts, a definition of an effective instructor was developed initially. Subsequently, 13 work behaviors and 32 knowledge elements, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) were identified as being necessary for an instructor to be effective in a learner-centric environment. These behaviors and KSAOs were then used to generate tasks performed by instructors in a learner-centric classroom. Data were gathered from instructors regarding the importance of these tasks, the frequency with which they are performed, and the effectiveness of instructor training in teaching these tasks. The behaviors, KSAOs, and tasks can be used in the selection, development, and evaluation of instructors who can effectively implement learner-centric practices and technology into their instruction. The framework developed through the research and analysis will be described along with the next steps to identify training for Army instructors. Follow on work with the behaviors, KSAOs, and tasks is focused on identifying training for Army instructors to prepare them to implement the directives of ALM. This training is intended to complement the training Army instructors currently receive.
Achieving Educational Excellence: What do Effective Instructors do?
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