A successful combination of methods and adaptation is the key to success

The Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality has done its best to adapt as well as possible to the new changes in the field of teaching and work during the pandemic. Our interlocutor, Ilija Morić, PhD, explained to us what steps they had taken and how he saw the future of education.

In progress with modern teaching methods

“Behind us is a very difficult period of adjustment, especially in the segment of teaching. Although for a long time there was talk about the need and intention to introduce modern online, i.e. blended learning method at the University of Montenegro, we really did not expect that we would go through this process under the accelerated procedure. Despite the situation, I can personally boast of a much broader awareness of the possibilities of online teaching as a modern approach to education, especially in the fields of tourism and hospitality. I maintain that classroom teaching cannot be replaced by platforms, but this does not mean that these approaches cannot be successfully combined. I expect that in the future, these questions will be even more important, but also very difficult for those who do not want to deviate from exclusively traditional classroom lectures. The situation is even more complex in the segment of exercises and practical trainings, which by definition only make sense if they follow the latest information and practice from the local and global tourism market. Also, online methods directly and indirectly encourage us to follow modern trends more and thus make our knowledge valid and usable for the tourism business, profession and science."

Possibility of continuous communication

“Finding a successful model of online teaching requires the passage of time, in which the possibilities and functionality of the same in the given circumstances of working with our students are intensively explored. This is not just a new medium (eg moodle or zoom), but a new concept that requires modifying and adapting materials, examples, presentation methods, assignments, homework and all other aspects of teaching. We used to have a typical two hours of exercises in the classroom, and now more "several hours" of accompanying activities are added to those two online classes. For example. if a platform such as Kialo, intended for debate, is activated, it is necessary to continuously monitor the course of the conversation, because the constant activities of the student also require a "stand by" approach from us. This is useful for everyone, because you no longer wait for the next e.g. Tuesday when there are exercises, to talk about something, but communication and study flows regardless of the day of the week. All this, with the already great obligations of teaching associates, is exhausting, but very important for personal development and professionalism, which are key to achieving the desired model of excellence in education. "

How to get a complete and accurate assessment?

“The question of the credibility of grades and assessments can and must always be asked, regardless of the COVID situation. Here, first of all, I think that the assessment must not be higher or lower, because in both cases there is a violation of principles such as equality, fairness, objectivity of the assessment, etc. For example traditional colloquia are considered the "least bad" method of assessment, mostly due to excessive memory testing on the one hand, and limited testing of the ability to substantially reason the matter on the other. Other techniques (eg oral exam, entrance paper, etc.) also have their disadvantages and advantages, especially in the context of tourism and hospitality. In the newly created COVID and online circumstances, I believe that it is necessary to find such a model of assessment that meets the regulations, but on the other hand allows for a complete and fair assessment of student competencies. It is important to note that the final exam, which usually carries 50 points, is held at the Faculty, which is an important moment in the assessment process. In the part of pre-examination knowledge tests, I am guided by the principle that it is necessary to diversify them in such a way that the available points are distributed to several different activities, namely: seminar papers, homework, class activities and tests. This reduces the risk of "wrong grades" and provides a much more accurate and complete overview of the activities and abilities of individual students. "

Some students are more active during online classes

“It is difficult to measure this year's student work in relation to the previous period, because the generations are different from each other, while the same generation "reacts" differently to certain subjects and exams. This "measurement" would be possible if this kind of "unwanted experiment" continued for another year or two. Still, I believe none of us want that and moreover, we are united in wanting this to end as soon as possible. However, my attention was drawn to the fact that now some students are more active than before, especially in activities that are voluntary, i.e. they are not required as tests or homework. I guess it is a much more appropriate approach for such students, because this way of teaching and communicating is easier and better articulates their interests and knowledge, and especially the need to learn, especially new or modern tourism topics. In that, I recognize one of the arguments for the obligatory application of various teaching methods. After all, providing a modern study experience is our obligation and we are obliged to provide all the conditions that enable students to acquire knowledge and skills more efficiently and effectively."

Online schooling, a new model of education?

“Online schooling has existed as a model for a long time in Europe and the world, so there is no dilemma for me. Much more important is the question of how or better to say how much (to what extent) to combine traditional with online teaching methods in our conditions. It is good that the pandemic has accelerated the process of developing online teaching in our country, and that in the given circumstances we have no alternative, so we "have to" work online. I fear that in all other circumstances this process of adopting online techniques would be slow or would be stopped in the early stages. Also, it is important to point out that I have personally been introduced to very useful online approaches such as game-based learning or inquiry-based learning, which are much more sophisticated and provide opportunities to transfer knowledge and skills more efficiently than through traditional methods. For example in the field of entrepreneurship in tourism, modern online tools enable almost all components of learning / studying: learning about entrepreneurship, learning for entrepreneurship and learning through entrepreneurship. Through traditional classroom learning, one can generally satisfy the first level (so-called learning about something). It is similar with many areas and subjects from tourism and hotel industry, which have a pronounced dynamism and inevitable market usability. Therefore, the combination of online and traditional teaching models is logical and necessary in terms of modern education, while the biggest mistake is to look at them through an "either-or" approach."