Cognitive Expertise by Repetition-Enhanced Simulation-based (CERES 2) Training continuation
Abstract
Complex cognitive skills such as reading and understanding a topographic map are learned through a combination of classroom instruct,ion, supervised field exercises and then extensive experience in the field. Achieving expert performance on these tasks currently d,epends largely on learning done in the field post-training, which occurs slowly and potentially expensively. The core of the CERES, (Cognitive Expertise through Repetition-Enhanced Simulation-based) training is to accelerate the development of expertise by provid,ing sets and reps on tasks that have not previously been available to practice as part of a training regimen. For topographic map, reading and understanding, it has not currently been possible to do large numbers of training repetitions to accumulate experience, on this cognitive process during instruction. CERES is a project working to fill that gap and enhance training of topographic map, understanding.-With simulation-based tools, we have created a preliminary framework where novel procedurally-generated terrain area,s are created together with detailed topographic maps. First-person perspective videos are rendered from selected locations within, these terrains and used to provide training content to help develop sensemaking connecting the visible surroundings to the topograp,hic map representation. With carefully developed procedural content generation methodology, we are able to generate thousands of tr,aining content items to potentially include in training protocols. These items thus enable high-repetition practice in an easily ac,cessible format to allow trainees to jump start the process of building expertise in understanding maps before working in the field.,-The CERES 2 project will continue development of this approach and work to more closely align our practice-based instruction with c,urrent classroom and field exercise Marine Land Navigation training (Task 1). The efficacy of this approach will then be assessed t,hrough four rounds of data collection in the latter part of the project period based on the performance of Marines currently engaged, with Land Navigation instruction (Task 2). Feedback from both instructors and students will be used to improve the training protoc,ol to further maximize effectiveness. A major opportunity of this training approach is to further develop and refine adaptive train,ing methodology to accelerate learning (Task 3). The core of the proposed adaptive training approach is to continually assess indiv,idual trainee performance and select content training items based on task difficulty level so that trainees always practice with cha,llenging content on which they can succeed.-The CERES 2 project aims to build a novel element to add to and enhance Land Navigation, training through eventual self-directed Marine trainee use. The CERES app will bring information-age technology to bear on the cha,llenge of building expertise in topographic map reading and sensemaking. The methodologies developed through this project in conten,t creation and online tools for administration and assessment may further serve as examples for similar modern training approaches i,n other operationally-relevant content domains.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212162
Entities
People
- Paul Reber
Organizations
- Northwestern University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy