Problem Based Learning in Maritime Education

Okan Tuna, A. Güldem Cerit, Hakki Kisi, Serim Paker

Dokuz Eylul University School of Maritime Business and Management

O. Tuna

A. G. Cerit

H. Kii

S. Paker

Abstract

Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a learning method based on the principle of using problems as a starting point for the acquisition and integration of new knowledge. PBL has been successfully applied at a number of disciplines and various academic institutions internationally. Objectives of PBL are to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes of the students through a "Student Centred" approach. PBL is believed to aim at creating a great deal of changes in the creativity of the learners.

Dokuz Eylul University School of Maritime Business and Management (SMBM) has decided to adopt this student centred education system. The school aims to provide education to those who will assume positions in the administrative, managerial and technical bodies of the domestic and international maritime institutions. The Deck Department's curriculum is in compliance with the IMO's STCW’95 conventions. Through utilizing the PBL approach, SMBM aims to provide the shipping industry with decently qualified and skilled personnel meeting all the requirements.

The overall results aimed through PBL seem to greatly comply with the expectations of the shipping industry for managers in general and the merchant fleet for deck officers in particular. The aim of this paper is to give basic principles of PBL, highlight the practices of SMBM and discuss the necessary steps to carry out this completely new system to the best possible extent.