Investigating Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Online English Learning in a Maritime Context in China

Abstract

English is required as the official working language for oceangoing seafarers across the world. In China, much time and effort has been dedicated to improving maritime students’ Maritime English (ME). However, low English proficiency is still one of the main barriers for Chinese seafarers to compete in the international maritime labor market. Online technology has introduced great opportunities for ME education in China. A deep understanding of the current status of online ME education in China is essential for enhancing its quality and effectiveness. This article investigates the current status of online ME education in China from the perspectives of Chinese maritime students and ME teachers by examining four key factors: online ME materials, online assessment and feedback, online interactions, and related online support. In total, 255 maritime students and 34 ME teachers from different maritime education and training (MET) institutions in China participated in this research. The study finds that online ME education in China was underdeveloped. Limited and simple online methods were being used in ME teaching and learning. The exam-oriented teaching mode greatly impeded the implementation of creative online methods. Many online functions had not been fully exploited and individual learning needs should be highlighted.