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364th TS instructors in competition to revamp courses with active learning techniques

  • Published
  • By Julie Svoboda
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

As the transition to competency-based learning continues at the 82nd Training Wing, the innovation team at the 364th Training Squadron devised a program that gives instructors a head start executing active learning methods in their existing curricula.

Heavy equipment models are on a table with a mock up of telephone poles and wires.

An active-learning activity created by Staff Sgt. Matthew Holland, Cable and Antenna Instructor, August 2024 at Sheppard Air Force Base. Holland was a winner of the Hunger Games Competition.
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Although active learning isn’t a new concept among the Sheppard schoolhouses, there is often a lapse between learning the methods and consistently applying the methods. 364th TS Curriculum and Instructional Technologist Cheri West and Innovation Manager Scott Campbell worked together to create The Hunger Games, a program that will reinforce competency-based teaching methods a few instructors at a time.

“We've had numerous professional development classes with our squadrons on active learning techniques,” Campbell said. “We've shown them 12 different types of active learning. But when we went to their classrooms to follow up, they weren't doing it. That's what sparked this whole thing.”

Instructors from four schoolhouses act as tributes in a competition to see who will best implement active learning in their lessons.

“We show them what competency-based learning is,” West said. “And then we really invite them to collaborate and work together to figure out what will work for their schoolhouse, but we've also implemented and created some strategies and some activities for each schoolhouse. Once they saw it, they were able to adapt and make something of their own.”

Following a learn-watch-do format, each instructor is assessed during the week and scored on how they incorporate what they’ve learned into their lessons. The instructor with the highest cumulative score is named the victor and takes a trophy back to their schoolhouse. Electrical and Environmental Instructor Brian Bost won the inaugural Hunger Games.

“I had a blast, learned a lot, and realized the benefits rather quickly,” he said. “I was very impressed that the innovation team decided to use the Hunger Games as a change agent instead of just mandating that we start doing the new way.  It allowed us to take ownership and bring in new ideas freely.”

A woman watches a group of Airmen in a classroom.

Cheri West, Curriculum and Instructional Technologist, watches as Airmen use active learning techniques in a 364th TS classroom August, 2024 at Sheppard Air Force Base. West is assessing the incorporation of active learning as part of the Hunger Games program she helped develop.
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Although there is only one victor, both instructors and students are winners when active learning is embraced. West hopes the program catches fire and spreads among the 82nd TRW schoolhouses.

“It truly benefits everyone involved,” said West. “From the instructor to the student to the mission, this forms a better Airman for the foundational and occupational competencies. I truly just say, try it, start it, and then ask us any questions if you have questions. Because it's not easy doing it alone, for sure. And we are here together to do it as one.”