Impact of Cooperative Learning on Naval Air Traffic Controller Training

The impact of cooperative learning, compared with the impact of traditional navy instruction, on achievement, performance, attrition rate, and attitudes of American navy air traffic controller trainees was investigated. A class of 12 air traffic controller trainees participated in a cooperative learning condition during the Charts and Publications unit of their training. The unit lasted for 4 1/2 days (8 hr a day). The class's performance was compared with the achievement and success rate of 50 other classes (49 previous and 1 subsequent) that were studying the same unit. Compared with traditional instruction, cooperative learning resulted in greater independent functional ability to perform job functions, and a 0 failure rate.