KAITSEVÄE ÜHENDATUD ÕPPEASUTUSTE TAKTIKAÕPPEJÕUDUDE ARUSAAMAD NÜÜDISAEGSE ÕPIKÄSITUSE OLEMUSEST JA RAKENDAMISEST TAKTIKAÕPPES

Estonian National Defence College Tactics Teachers’ Conceptions of the Contemporary Approach to Teaching and Learning, and Its Applicability in the Teaching of Tactics

Abstract

In recent years, discussions about the contemporary teaching and learning approach (CTLA) and its importance in shaping self-directed, adaptive and collaborative persons in different study levels and disciplines have become very topical. The aim of the current study was to explore the conceptions held by tactics teachers at the Estonian National Defence College (ENDC) about CTLA and their opinions about its practical applicability in tactical studies. The data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with 10 tactics teachers and analysed using the qualitative content analysis method. The results indicated that the tactics teachers conceptualise CTLA as student-centred, including using active teaching methods, information technology and providing feedback on the learning process. Openness was also considered an important part of CTLA. The ENDC tactics teachers considered CTLA generally applicable in the teaching of tactics, but time constraints and the size of the groups were seen as limitations. The results of this study provide the basis for a follow-up project to raise awareness about the principles of the CTLA among tactics teachers and for further development of the teaching of tactics at the ENDC.