A structured approach to simulator instructor-student interactions

Training personnel at Florida Power & Light (FPL) St. Lucie nuclear power plant have developed an interactive training approach which integrates questioning, intervention, observation, and coaching into a simulator instructor task called ´ integral QIOC´ (pronounced ´sky-ock´). integral QIOC is a well-structured approach to training which derives its strength from roots in both nuclear power plant operations and human information processing theory. It enables the simulator instructor (SI) to assess the suitability of an operator´s actions in attaining simulator series session goals, and it prescribes the most appropriate techniques through which to remediate diagnosed difficulties. It serves to standardize FPLs simulator training across all SIs. This standardization, in turn, strengthens the quality assurance of the training program across all trainees. The technique is suitable for use in assessing and enhancing the performance of individual control room operators as well as that of the collective watchstanding team.<>