Question

Suppose you have been asked to design a program intended to train airline flight attendant trainees in emergency evacuation procedures. You are now designing the evaluation study to show that the flight attendants understand the procedures and use them on the job. Which data collection methods do you think would be the most useful in providing this evidence? How might the type of learning outcome affect your choice of measuring learning? Support your choices.

Answer 1

To evaluate flight attendant trainees' understanding of emergency evacuation procedures, a combination of immediate feedback, testing for learning outcomes, behavioral observation, and measuring long-term results would be most effective. The choice of data collection method depends on the desired learning outcome. Continuous improvement strategies based on evaluation results are vital for maintaining training effectiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evaluation of Flight Attendant Emergency Evacuation Training

When designing a program to train airline flight attendants in emergency evacuation procedures, data collection methods that provide evidence of understanding and effective application are paramount. Based on the study by Arthur et al. (2003), there are four types of measurement that can be effective:

1. Immediate Response: Assessing the trainees' instant reaction to the training can be gauged through surveys or feedback forms completed at the end of the training session.
2. Learning Outcomes Achievement: Evaluation through testing post-training to ensure trainees have internalized knowledge. This might involve written tests, verbal quizzes, or practical demonstrations of the procedures.
3. Behavioral Measurements: Supervisors can observe trainees during actual or simulated job activities to assess the application of learned procedures. This hands-on evaluation can be enhanced by using tools such as a flight simulator, which provides a realistic and controlled environment.
4. Long-term Results: Measuring subsequent improvements in productivity or safety records can indicate the effectiveness of the training over time.

The choice of measurement depends on the specific learning outcome desired. For cognitive understanding, written tests might suffice. However, for procedural skills, a combination of observation in simulations and real-world performance may be most indicative of competency. Additionally, continuous feedback loops and improvement strategies should be integrated based on the evaluation results, to ensure that the training remains effective and relevant.

To avoid bias and ensure the validity of the evaluation, mechanisms such as random selection of participants for certain assessments or the use of standardized checklists for observational assessments should be considered.

Answer 2

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

The data collection methods I think would be the most useful in providing this evidence would be interviews, focus groups, and observations.

I would use these methods because they are effective methods to prove that the design of the training and the response of the participants are the required ones to see advancements. Through these methods, I can confirm that flight attendants understand the procedures and use them on the job.

The type of learning outcome could affect my choice of measuring learning in that I would use the proper methods to seize the results, proving that flight attendance crews are capable of carrying on the proper techniques and information on how to proceed during emergencies. If results are not what expected, I would necessarily have to change the approach.