Assessment of soft skills in inland navigation simulator training

This thesis is about the best way of assessing and grading soft skills of officers and captains for inland cruise shipping. This research resulted in a plan of approach for assessment and grading of soft skills in inland shipping. A qualitative study was conducted for this research. The data were collected from interviews and a survey. The conceptual framework resulted in a key theme list for the interview and survey questions. The respondents were a mix of the three stakeholders ((1) the inland cruise company, (2) external training provider, and (3) trainees). Independent experts were added as a fourth group. The data were collected from the respondents via 8 individual interviews and 7 completed surveys. The theoretical section explored different assessment and grading theories that could be applicable for inland shipping and the target group. A mix of various pieces of literature was combined to develop a conceptual framework. The findings indicate the importance of transparency and objectivity in assessments. The preparation phase is seen as crucial for the successful implementation and execution of the assessment. Realistic scenarios including briefing and debriefing are of utmost importance and should be based on the experience and knowledge of qualified designers and teachers, followed by the execution of the assessment by the judgment of two qualified assessors. Self-assessment of soft skills was supported by the trainees to be implemented. An important finding is the advice to use a specific rubric. The rubric should consist of the assessment criteria with 5 levels with a grading system of 1 to 5. Requirements for assessment criteria are brief, clear, observable, and written in understandable language. In conclusion, the three stakeholders involved in this research and the independent experts agreed on key items like scenario choices, briefing, debriefing, peer-to-peer response, and transparency. A suggestion for future research is to observe the assessment and grading of soft skills in practice