Illustrated formats to teach procedures

Formats to teach procedures were developed to incorporate appropriate learning strategies. The formats contain a preponderance of graphics with supporting text and include a foldout, or paper mock-up, showing the face of the equipment. Exercises are provided for recalling individual steps and for chaining steps. These materials, called learning aids, were developed and field-tested on two pieces of complex equipment: tuning an oscilloscope probe and starting a helicopter engine. Results showed the learning aids reduce errors and produce quicker learning compared with narrative manuals commonly used to teach procedures.