Design, development, and evaluation of an English speaking skills mobile learning mobile (AEROspeak) for military air traffic control officers

Abstract

The aviation industry demands precise communication, particularly among Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs), whose roles are critical in ensuring safety and efficiency. This study aimed to enhance English speaking skills among military ATCOs in Malaysia, in alignment with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) English proficiency standards. The study specifically targeted the challenges faced by military ATCOs, particularly those working in shifts, in preparing for the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT), which has been mandatory since 2011. To address these challenges, the study aims to design, develop, and evaluate a mobile learning module designed to facilitate continuous, self-paced learning for military ATCOs to learn speaking skills to prepare for the ELPT. The research followed a Design and Development Research (DDR) Type 1 approach, utilizing the ADDIE instructional design model across three phases: 1) Analysis, 2) Design and Development, and 3) Implementation and Evaluation. The analysis phase, involving 86 military ATCOs, identified specific learning needs, which guided the development of AEROspeak. The module’s design incorporated key learning theories, including the Teaching-Speaking Cycle, Cognitive Constructivism, Social constructivism, Mastery Learning, and Adult Learning, ensuring a comprehensive and effective learning experience tailored to military contexts. During the design and development phase, AEROspeak was refined through expert evaluations, integrating feedback from seven experts to ensure the module met the specific needs of military ATCOs. The final phase, involving 116 military ATCOs, evaluated AEROspeak and found it to be a highly effective tool for enhancing English speaking skills. In conclusion, AEROspeak is a transformative tool that not only prepares military ATCOs for the ELPT but also supports continuous professional development, bridging the gap between language learning and the practical demands of air traffic control. This study underscores the potential of tailored mobile learning solutions in addressing the unique challenges of military personnel, contributing to improved safety and efficiency in the aviation industry. The findings have significant implications for mobile app designers, who can integrate educational theories into app development and course designers, who can adopt similar digital tools to promote autonomous learning and improve speaking skills.