Development of a 'Wordsmanship' Training Course for Marginal Personnel
Abstract
The investigation is part of continuing research to determine the trainability of Group IV personnel and to develop optimal content and methods for marginal training. The Wordsmanship course for training basic written language skills was taught as a part of the Training Methods Development Program experimental curriculum. Data were obtained for 176 Group IV personnel in 12 classes trained during the period from September 1968 to June 1970. Evaluations of training effectiveness were based on pre- and post-training tests and measures of student achievement. The Wordsmanship training has generally proved effective in terms of student achievement of primary course goals, despite a trainee input characterized by low verbal abilities and unfavorable attitudes toward language instruction. Trainees substantially improved their knowledge and proficiency in each of the sub-course areas of wordsmanship, and most students reported a more favorable attitude toward words and a desire for future self-improvement of verbal skills. Training approaches described should be adaptable to other training contexts having similar objectives for marginal personnel. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0720306
Entities
People
- A. G. Archibald
- E. A. Hooprich
- J. H. Steinemann
- N. H. Van Matre
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory