Simulators for Skill

Abstract

Simulators For Skill is the title of a new book by Eric Wheatcroft, published by McGraw‐Hill at £4.75. It marks a milestone in the development of training theory in that it formalises and codifies a huge body of knowledge previously a collection of random items. For all people concerned with the transmitting of physical skills this book is indispensable. Wheatcroft himself was a distinguished member of that team of British trainers which gathered around the elder Seymour from the early 1940s onwards. It was this team which, starting with process analysis, developed a new approach which eventually led to the modern skills theory, perhaps the greatest success story of all time in the training field. The team is still the greatest storehouse of information and experience extant in the world, though the actual team disbanded some time ago. The experience they assembled is impressive and it is that type of practical know‐how which consultants normally prefer to keep under their hats. The members of this erstwhile team are now approaching retirement age and it is good to see this mass of experience being recorded. Wheatcroft's book is about one small part of the total skill training field but it is that part which has been most neglected by writers and publishers. That is what makes the publication of this book such an important event.

Citation

(1973), "Simulators for Skill", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 5 No. 12, pp. 583-585. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb003362