To modernize training in the Marine Corps, Force Design 2030 and Test & Evaluation 2030 have emphasized the need to integrate technology into classroom instruction that tailors course material to individual Marines. Several innovative adaptive training (AT) solutions have been developed to address the modernization effort that leverage science of learning principles using learners’ in-training performance to tailor instruction to the individual. However, these training solutions often are offered as supplemental resources for students to use on their own time. AT systems have been shown to increase learning outcomes in military classrooms for students who opt to use it. For example, in a pilot study conducted by Whitmer and colleagues (2021), an adaptive flashcard system was provided to Automotive Maintenance Technicians Basic Course (AMTBC) students to use at their discretion on course-issued laptops. The researchers found higher usage was associated with higher course GPAs, and the cohort with the AT experienced fewer exam failures compared to a previous cohort without AT. Interestingly, they also found system usage varied widely with many students choosing not to use it. As a follow-up to this research, we investigated whether engagement rates could be increased by presenting performance-based feedback at regular intervals. Previous research suggests that feedback paired with studying (e.g., flashcards) can increase motivation to continue studying (Abel et al., 2020). To that end, we partnered with AMTBC and provided students across four cohorts with one of two versions of an AT flashcard system. One version presented performance-based feedback at regular intervals and summary feedback at the completion of a session, while the control version did not. Results show that overall AT usage related to higher course performance and students in cohorts receiving feedback completed more flashcards. Implications and recommendations for increasing student engagement with modern training approaches will be discussed.
Keywords
ADAPTIVE, EDUCATION, FEEDBACK, MILITARY LEARNING, TRAINING
Additional Keywords
Flashcards,