The importance of structured briefings & debriefings for objective evaluation of ARPA simulator training

Abstract

Simulation is a great learning tool and learning by doing is often motivating and progressive for the students. To evaluate knowledge or performance is however not that easy, especially compared with the traditional classroom teaching. This thesis points out the importance of structured briefings and debriefing to enhance the fair evaluation of the students during their simulator training in ARPA courses. The objectives of the simulator training must be clear for the students as well as the simulator instructor should make the evaluation based on the objectives given in the briefing. The instructors have many challenges in running the simulator exercise and to monitor the progress of several bridges (own ships) with up to three students on every bridge. The instructor should evaluate the actions of every single student, although they are working in groups while performing their objectives.