Application of case study method in crew members' training program

Abstract

Specific didactic aspects of the case study method (teaching through casebased practical examples) are presented in the paper. In order for the ship’s crew members to achieve an effective collaborative work, contemporary teaching methodologies should adopt a cautious approach to relevant factors such as innate abilities, policy management, cooperation and professional communication skills, experience, work skills and working environment. Case study is a problem method of teaching, focused on the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies – vital prerequisites for quality professional realization of the prospective ship’s crew members. The essential elements for developing the teaching method are analyzed – structure, sources, advantages. An authorship of an organizational model for students’ practical training with the implementation of case study is being shown. An example structure and a case study creation model is suggested. Conclusions drawn from the use of the case study method lead to a safe professional situation in which the prospective specialists are being trained. The case study approach unlocks the trainees’ creative potential, their professional thinking and stimulates searching for new unconventional solutions of problematic situations which the future professionals will be faced with. The method increases students’ training motivation and broadens their knowledge.