Learning and Teaching in Yacht Engineering Education

Abstract

With the implementation of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in the United Kingdom, efficient learning and teaching strategies that supports student engagement and eventually allow the development of the required employability skills is more than ever paramount. Higher Education institutions must therefore enhance teaching practices, provide innovative delivery methods, and ensure the intended disciplinary learning outcomes are met, while embedding employability skills in the curriculum. This paper illustrates the current practices underpinning the Yacht Engineering courses at Solent University. Firstly, the assessment of the students’ learning styles allows for more refined delivery methods and supporting activities to be adopted. This is fundamental in providing effective teaching and constructively aligning the taught modules, while incorporating innovative practices, such as blended learning. Moreover, to answer the demand for a greater use of learning and teaching technologies, an action research into the benefits of micro-lecture captures has been undertaken, revealing very a positive impact on student engagement. Finally, careful considerations for employability have been made and influenced the curriculum design to ensure students can access professional positions upon graduating, thus being able to positively impact the industry from day one.