Designing Simulations for complex skill development

Abstract

Abstract: Theoretical approaches to instructional design for skill development in complex domains lags behind the changing nature of education and training reflected in the application of contemporary views of learning. In particular, employing novel pedagogical approaches for advanced skill development has not been extensively investigated. The development of an application of guided simulation incorporating reflection tools to train naval officers in pilotage has been undertaken to illustrate this process. The skills and knowledge which are part of the conceptual framework that learners need to acquire to be pilots have been analyzed and the design incorporates a variety of instructional strategies that are well suited to supporting outcomes driven learning.