Model of Individualized Instruction and Intelligent Tutoring for Developing an Adaptable Workforce

Today’s military and civilian operating and organizational environments are characterized by unprecedented levels of complexity, ambiguity, and dynamic change. Military leaders routinely operate in environments where change is the only constant. Their success demands mental agility and adaptation in the face of uncertainty. While adaptability is recognized as a significant component of effective performance under dynamic conditions, our understanding of both the concept itself and how to effectively and efficiently develop it within individuals operating in complex environments remains limited. To train a competency based on flexibility, the training system itself must be defined by flexibility, able to adapt itself to the individual trainee’s needs and progression. To date, training programs aimed at developing adaptability have been limited to classroom-based strategies. There are no models of individualized instruction for training this important aspect of performance. We propose to develop a model of individualized instruction for adaptable behavior (MIIA), drawing upon research in this area, and use it to develop an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) that will deliver automated, adaptive training. We will use the FlexiTrainer rapid ITS development tool. Phase I will result in a validated preliminary MIIA model and a prototype ITS (to demonstrate the approach and its feasibility.