ABSTRACT
Performance context is a term that is derived from Human Performance Technology, a field closely related to Instructional Design and Technology. Training medical personnel with technologies that simulate the full spectrum of sights, sounds, smells, and haptic sensations experienced on the battlefield leads to increased success through a closer alignment between the learning context and the performance context where the critical knowledge and skills must be used. Research shows that close alignment of the learning and performance contexts facilitates the recall and transfer of learned knowledge and skills to new situations. A common mistake for both novice and experienced designers is neglecting to consider the level of alignment between the performance context and the learning context. The degree of similarity or alignment between the context of learning and the context of use will impact how easily the learner is able to recall, transfer, and apply the knowledge and skills in new environments.
