New instructional method bolsters student learning

Courtesy Photo | Advanced individual training student Pfc. Antonio Miranda observes the Common Remotely Operated Weapons System while fellow student Pvt. Jason Galvan performs diagnostic functions during training held March 17 on the Ordnance Campus. Both are Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Course students.  

FORT LEE, VA, UNITED STATES

03.25.2015

Courtesy Story

Fort Gregg-Adams

FORT LEE, Va. - A new innovative instructional method is leading the way to help develop a more proficient wheeled vehicle mechanic.

Called Skills Based Training, it is an Ordnance School initiative that provides a more effective means to train Soldiers with the necessary skills to fulfill an ever-changing array of operational mission requirements, according to administrators.

“The recent implementation of Skills Based Training into the 91B10 Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Course is designed to meet the challenges of providing proficient maintainers – those with critical thinking, adaptability and communication skills – to support the operational fighting force,” said Luis Diaz, chief, Basic Wheel Division, Wheel Maintenance Training Department.

SBT began at the Ordnance School here in January 2011 and has been gradually implemented within several advanced individual training courses since then. The transition has not been a smooth one. Sgt. 1st Class James Ryea can attest to that. He said the general consensus among military and civilian instructors was “we train Soldiers the same way we were trained, and it worked for us, so why change it if it’s not broken.”

After instructors facilitated the first few pilot classes, however, their attitude quickly changed, said Ryea. “They made statements about how impressed they were with the team collaboration and how the Soldiers relied on each others’ strengths to overcome academic and technical challenges.”

Ryea also said SBT will better prepare Soldiers for their first duty assignments.

SBT is student-centered learning methodology, largely based on the concept of learning transference that occurs when someone uses prior experiences and skills and applies them in a different context.

When applied to automotive mechanics training, SBT is a principles-based, diagnostics-driven methodology, said Diaz.

“It focuses training on the systems within the vehicle, with the expectation of a knowledge transfer to different vehicles with like systems,” he said. “SBT shifts training from major components being replaced to enhancing the skill sets required to repair the item. This is a paradigm shift, from a ‘remove and replace’ mentality, to one that forces our Soldiers to operate as critical thinkers and diagnosticians.”

As a result of these methods, Soldiers learn to think critically as they solve problems, troubleshoot vehicle systems and use new technology.

The Maintenance Support Device is an example of the new technology Soldiers are using under SBT. A computer-based diagnostics tool with an interactive electronic technical manual built into it, MSD can be used as a stand-alone tool or as a computer interface with the vehicle’s various systems, allowing Soldiers to apply basic system knowledge to troubleshoot, identify and repair vehicle faults. Incorporating the MSD into training has been critical to Soldiers understanding the “why” of which component requires repair or replacement, said Diaz.

In addition to the technology aspect, student experience is a key element to SBT’s effectiveness, said Master Sgt. Michael George, chief instructor, BWD.

“Under SBT concepts, Soldiers are tested to identify mechanical and technology proficiencies they have brought to the Army,” he said. “The Soldiers are then broken down into groups of six based on their scores. Placing Soldiers with a maintenance or technology background with Soldiers who have never been exposed to maintenance concepts or application provides for more peer-to-peer social interaction and allows them to ask one another questions they might be hesitant to ask the instructor.”

Once groups are broken down into six Soldiers, it uses the MSD to research automotive systems (e.g. fuel, electrical, cooling and their respective components). The small groups provide “teach-backs” to their peers on each of the components and demonstrate how the components work together in the system, said George.

Under SBT, all of the instruction is facilitated by the instructor, but the focus is on collaborative peer-to-peer training techniques. Once the Soldiers have taught their peers the major components of a system, they employ that knowledge to troubleshoot and repair the “system” on a non-vehicle-specific task.

SBT has also improved upon vehicle-specific task-based training by focusing on systems and principles of operations that can be applied to multiple-wheeled vehicle platforms, said Sgt. 1st Class William Philpott, noncommissioned officer in charge, 91B10 SBT, BWD.

“Once a Soldier understands the purpose of a component in one system, he or she can apply it across a broad automotive spectrum,” he said.

There are also other areas of emphasis under the SBT implementation. One is to make training as realistic as possible based on what Soldiers might experience at their units. The addition of the Common Remote Operated Weapons System and automotive air conditioning systems support those goals.

Furthermore, common maintenance scenarios are included in hands-on practical exercises and testing. This is a very valuable component to the training, said Philpott.

“These hands-on practical exercises and tests identify general faults that require Soldiers to perform diagnostic troubleshooting, parts ordering, repair operations and proper documentation of each step,” he said. “This gives the Soldier the confidence required to approach a disabled vehicle and use diagnostic troubleshooting and critical thinking skills to repair the vehicle to a fully mission-capable status.”

The transition to SBT has been a challenge but a tremendous success for the 91B course thus far, said Philpott. “Soldiers are investing more effort into their own learning experience as they work with new systems and utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic troubleshooting equipment.

To date, the BWD has conducted three pilot SBT classes and the feedback from the students and instructors has been overwhelmingly positive, said Diaz.

“The Soldiers are, by far, more involved in their learning process, and their performance on written and hands-on tests clearly demonstrate they are retaining the skills and abilities from the lessons taught to them,” he said. “The instructors have expressed positive comments about Soldier participation and were initially surprised at how easily everyone transitioned into this new learning model. As with all new programs, the verdict is out until we get the feedback from the field, but for now I must believe this change is good.”

The 91B course pilot program was begun roughly one year ago, and course-wide implementation is slated for January 2016.

• Date Taken: 03.25.2015
• Date Posted: 03.25.2015 17:20
• Story ID: 158072
• Location: FORT LEE, VA, US