Psycho-Pedagogical Approaches to the Design of English Learning Course for Ship Engineers

Abstract

Abstract–Ship engineers are civil engineers with special knowledge of marine and water transport engineering therefore the article appeals to the lecturers of English for engineering students. The authors of this article share the experience of experimental English language training which was preceded by a thorough study of the theoretical works of contemporary scholars and practitioners in the field of foreign language training of civil and marine engineers. Summarizing new trends led to defining a complex of approaches which makes the design of the course efficient. The results of the experimental training allowed to formulate practical recommendations how to realize new trends and approaches in the textbooks’ design, taking into account qualitative changes both in the field of educational technologies and in the cognitive abilities of students. We proved that the complex of offered approaches provide better education and reflect the changes in psychology, philosophy, and pedagogy along with new technological platforms. We offer additional discussions concerning creating a modular course of English for ship engineers which could be internationally accepted by institutions that train specialists for the marine industry. The marine industry is globalized therefore, uniform standards for the training of seafarers are important and the idea to have the module course of English for ship engineers would be enthusiastically welcomed by all countries.