The Effectiveness of STEM for Sea Project to Improve Cadets’ Performance as Preparation for Onboard Training

The use of technology plays an important role in education as we gradually move to what is known as industry 4.0. It becomes more important especially during COVID-19 pandemic where online learning is highly demanded. This research applied online learning using the application of STEM for Sea Project (SforSP) to improve the performance of cadets of CASBMMA (Cirebon AKMI Suaka Bahari Merchant Marine Academy), the preparation of their onboard training. This finding encourages the researchers to upgrade the application in providing more suitable materials which correspond to the company’s needs during on board training.

BUILDING CHARACTER OF HARDINESS THROUGH RELIGIOUSITY AND LOCAL WISDOM FOR MERCHANT MARINE CADET IN ACEH, INDONESIA

This study aims to describe the model of character building of prospective marine transportation cadets in Malahayati Merchant Marine Polytechnic, Aceh, Indonesia. The research method used in this study was a qualitative method using a phenomenological research design. Through participatory action research, in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, the data were found, which Miles and Huberman’s model used as data analysis. The data analysis process consisted of data reduction, data display, drawing conclusion/verification. The research result showed that character educational implementation of Merchant Marine Education in Aceh was conducted through (1) the instruction method, education, suggestion, persuasion, trusting, punishment, guidance and counseling, Habituation, group discussion, and organizational activities. The method implementation adjusted to the activities and educational cadet level starting from prospective cadet to senior cadet. (2) Method implementation intervention conducted through the hidden curriculum like moral knowing, moral feeling, moral action, and religiosity that manifests in five diversity dimensions: religious belief, religious practice, religious feeling, religious knowledge, and religious effects. (3) Attitude nurture implementation conducted through local wisdom habituation that includes exemplary figures of leaders/coach/trainers/senior cadets, behavioral standards, and reflection studies. (4) Religious character educational implementation bears a resilient cadet profile who is smart, professional, skilled, and good. This research finding recommended the importance of religiosity and local wisdom in building the character of Hardiness.

Evaluating the Textbook Used in the Greek Centre of Further Merchant Marine Education: School of Mechanics

This paper attempts to evaluate a teaching textbook used in the Greek Merchant Marine Center of Further Education: School of Mechanics. The evaluation considers adult learners’ needs and practices to evaluate the prescribed textbook used in this institution. This textbook has been used for a long time and, though it includes proper ESP knowledge, it is considered to need embellishment to satisfy learners’ growing needs, especially as it concerns engineering vocabulary. The research question mainly investigates whether this textbook helps learners in their practice of receptive and productive language skills both in general English and English for Specific Purposes use. Following a checklist of evaluation criteria, internal and external evaluation took place. It was found that the textbook is considered very plain and unattractive by learners. Though it includes the teaching of main vocabulary and grammar necessary to learners, it does not include material for pronunciation practice. Furthermore, it does not offer enough practise of all four language skills. It does not present activities for the practicing of vocabulary use or writing. There is also a lack of participatory tasks like group activities or teamwork. The findings contribute to the field because they could help embellish the teaching material with more communicative tasks and open-ended activities, which would motivate, interest, and engage learners more. The more purposeful use of technical language would be aiding mechanics in their training and in their work field in merchant navy vessels.