What Evidence Exists to Verify That Learning through Aviation Works?

Abstract

Educators and advocates for change of our schools in general and to increase student performance in particular are increasingly turning to aviation education, learning through aviation, and/or aerospace education. Two major forms of learning through aviation are found. The first is simply the study of aviation for its own sake. Studying ground school and then going on to learn to fly is an example of this. A higher, more sophisticated form is that found in specialized high school and undergraduate college and university programs such as those in Aviation High School in New York or Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. The second form of learning is the central purpose of this brief paper. This paper is concerned with the uses of aviation as a central motif, core, thread, or magnet around which to design worthwhile educational programs, activities, projects, courses, and learning experiences in order to facilitate learning--learning not just aviation but also learning basic subjects which most people feel good schools should provide. For purposes of this paper, elementary and secondary education are the main examples used.

Author

• Strickler, Mervin K, Jr. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University