In a world where the maritime industry is becoming increasingly globalized, the ability to communicate effectively in foreign languages is no longer just a nice-to-have skill, but a necessity. This is especially true for students pursuing maritime specialties, who will one day find themselves negotiating with international partners or interviewing for jobs abroad. Enter Vladlena V. Lysenko, a researcher from Sevastopol State University, who has been exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize foreign language teaching for maritime students.
Lysenko’s research, published in the Russian Journal of Education and Psychology (translated as “Journal of Education and Psychology”), focuses on the application of generative AI to improve the professional communicative competence of maritime students. In simpler terms, she’s looking at how AI can help students prepare for job interviews in international shipping companies.
The study adopted a comprehensive approach, combining theoretical reviews and empirical methods. Lysenko and her team modeled and analyzed professional interview scenarios using generative AI models, observed students’ learning activities, and gathered feedback on the effectiveness of these new techniques. The results were promising. The team developed a three-stage training model that combines the creation of a database of questions, simulation of interviews using AI, and practicing skills through business games. This model was found to be highly effective in building both linguistic and professional competencies, as well as soft skills crucial for a successful career in the maritime industry.
So, what does this mean for the maritime industry? Well, for one, it opens up new opportunities for training and development. As Lysenko puts it, “The integration of generative AI within the training framework of maritime students has been found to expand the scope of opportunities for effective preparation for professional interviewing.” This could lead to a new generation of maritime professionals who are not only technically skilled but also highly proficient in international communication.
Moreover, the use of AI in language training could help maritime companies reduce the time and resources spent on training new hires, as students would already possess the necessary language and soft skills. It could also enhance the competitiveness of maritime education institutions, attracting more students and potentially leading to more collaborations with international partners.
In the words of Lysenko, “The implementation of this methodology has been identified as a significant contributor to the modernisation of the educational process, rendering it more personalised, effective and aligned with the precise requirements of the contemporary labour market.” This is a win-win situation for both students and the maritime industry, as it prepares students for the global job market and equips the industry with a pool of highly skilled professionals.