Precision Measuring Equipment (PME) Individualized Instruction. Final Report.

Self-paced programed and audiovisual (AV) instructional materials covering portions of the Air Force course, Precision Measuring Equipment (PME) Specialist, were developed, administered, and evaluated as means of assessing the feasibility of individualizing the PME course as part of the Air Force's Advanced Instructional System (AIS). The materials for a 90-hour block of instruction, entitled Waveform Analysis, included printed and AV material and covered complex cognitive and performance skills. The mean written test score for the block was 80 percent (passing was 70 percent), but this was achieved with an average 31 percent reduction in training time. Trainees indicated a positive attitude toward the course. Similar results were obtained in trials with smaller blocks of time. The reduction in training time coupled with trainee achievement supports the feasibility of individualizing the PME course. The projected cost savings in excess of $40,000 a year argue strongly for the cost effectiveness of individualizing the entire PME course and other similar technical training courses. (Author/WH)