MTS Curriculum Development & Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a needs assessment for a new training program, which data source provides the most direct evidence of a performance gap?
- Supervisor opinions
- Job performance records and metrics (Correct answer)
- Trainee self-assessments
- Industry benchmark reports
Correct answer: Job performance records and metrics
Job performance records and metrics provide objective, quantifiable evidence of actual versus desired performance gaps.
Question 2: Which curriculum design model emphasizes beginning with the end-state standards and working backward to develop instruction?
- ADDIE model
- Kemp model
- Backward design (Understanding by Design) (Correct answer)
- Dick and Carey model
Correct answer: Backward design (Understanding by Design)
Backward design, developed by Wiggins and McTighe, starts with identifying desired results before planning instruction and assessment.
Question 3: A training specialist notices that newly trained personnel consistently fail a specific task after returning to the unit. This BEST indicates a flaw in which curriculum phase?
- Analysis
- Design
- Implementation
- Evaluation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Evaluation
Consistent post-training failure points to a gap identified during evaluation, specifically at the transfer-of-training level.
Question 4: In developing a task list for a military training program, which document is the PRIMARY authoritative source?
- Training circulars
- Soldier training publications (STPs) (Correct answer)
- Army doctrine publications (ADPs)
- Field manuals (FMs)
Correct answer: Soldier training publications (STPs)
Soldier Training Publications (STPs) are the authoritative doctrinal source for individual task standards and training requirements.
Question 5: Which approach BEST ensures curriculum remains current and relevant in a rapidly changing operational environment?
- Annual curriculum review cycles
- Continuous review triggered by doctrine or equipment changes (Correct answer)
- Periodic feedback from recent graduates only
- Benchmarking against civilian education programs
Correct answer: Continuous review triggered by doctrine or equipment changes
Continuous review triggered by doctrine or equipment changes ensures curriculum keeps pace with evolving operational requirements rather than waiting for scheduled reviews.
Question 6: A Master Training Specialist is designing a course for adult learners with varying experience levels. Which principle should MOST influence the instructional design?
- Pedagogical approach emphasizing rote memorization
- Andragogical approach leveraging prior experience (Correct answer)
- Uniform instruction with no differentiation
- Instructor-centered lecture as the primary method
Correct answer: Andragogical approach leveraging prior experience
Andragogy, Knowles's theory of adult learning, emphasizes building on prior experience and self-direction, making it most appropriate for adult learners with varying backgrounds.
Question 7: When sequencing instructional content, which approach is MOST appropriate for teaching a complex psychomotor skill?
- Whole-part-whole method (Correct answer)
- Presenting the most difficult tasks first
- Random sequencing to promote adaptability
- Conceptual sequencing from abstract to concrete
Correct answer: Whole-part-whole method
The whole-part-whole method allows learners to see the complete skill context, practice individual components, then integrate them into the full performance.
MTS Curriculum Development & Planning 2
When conducting a needs assessment for a new training program, which data source provides the most direct evidence of a performance gap?