Training in open dynamic environment management: the case of operational management in public safety

This paper presents theoretical and methodological issues applied to the design and analysis of didactical situations for training to manage open dynamic environment. The study deals with the case of fire-fighter officers training, who are responsible for operations against natural disasters as well as industrial or transportation accidents. Operational training aims at developing collective competencies in decision making at a tactical level in unforeseen situations. At this level, actors have to develop analytical reasoning without having direct information about the “perceived and acted” objects of action. A brief survey of the evolution of training officers at the upper level is presented. Trainees´ evolution through a series of situations of simulation is then analysed through the main results of a series of questionnaires. Instructor´s activity in managing situation of simulation is then analysed on the basis of the verbal interactions with trainees. Finally, the issue of designing computer-based systems as tools for instructors in managing training situations is discussed