Duration: 5 days
The course includes technical aspects of teaching that have a direct relation with the maritime simulator world. Without delving into the details at this stage, it is however emphasized that the simulator pedagogy, as well as psychology of learning, forms an important element of the course.
The topics that have been covered in this model course have been chosen in such a way as to provide a valuable introduction for those who have little experience in teaching and also as a very useful refresher for experienced instructors. In addition, those whose teaching experience has been limited to lecturing will gain considerable exposure, as they will explore the world of maritime simulation along with a variety of teaching techniques.
The course deals with the relevance of simulator in maritime training and the simulator pedagogy associated with the use of training on a maritime simulator. The basic aspects of learning process, purpose of training, setting of training objectives and basic principles of course design and the psychology of learning is also touched upon, however it does not form the main thrust of the course. It is assumed that course participants would have received formal training in these aspects prior to completing this programme.
The course involves conventional teaching and training methods, participative training techniques (such as task solving, both individually and in groups), simulation exercises involving ‘role playing’. While ‘ideal’ solutions are sought in this part of the course, the practical constraints which simulator instructors face are taken into account. Adaptation to local circumstances is an important part of the course and should be demonstrated when appropriate.
The course has a large practical component in which the participants implement the theoreticalguidelines by planning, creating, executing and evaluating their own simulation exercises.
The experiential nature of the course being conducted largely using simulators provides the participants the opportunity to hone the necessary skills required to be an effective simulator instructor.
Hence the scope is to:
Establish a reliable simulator training programme for the instructor to impart comprehensive simulator training to the seafarer that will include the amalgamation of:
– Classroom teaching
– Simulation training
– Special working environment on board a ship and the human element
– Psychology of learning
Foster sustainable training skills to the instructor within the changing maritimeenvironment
Acquire simulator training skills that includes the psychology of learning
To sensitize the future simulator instructor to simulation technology, the simulation exercises will be controlled by an instructor and, initially, allow the trainees to become familiar with the equipment, the controls and the instrumentation provided by the simulator. The equipment and environment fidelity will be discussed with the trainees.
During exercises, trainees are expected to make use of effective bridge/engine-room/cargo procedures, and varying the environment. The trainees will also be made to comply with applicable Regulations and to observe the principles of various shipboard operations as set out in the relevant parts of the STCW 2010 Convention. Each exercise will be preceded by a session for briefing and planning and be followed by a debriefing.
The course is approved by the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Cyprus.
