Problem-Based Learning Methods for Training Staff for Tourism and Hospitality Clusters

Abstract

The paper argues the relevance of using the problem-based learning (PBL) method for
training staff for tourism and hospitality clusters. The paper aims to summarize the results
of the research undertaken at Kemerovo State University where the best practices of using
PBL at Aalborg University (Denmark) and the University of Applied Sciences for
Management & Communication (FHWien der WKW) (Austria) were applied in course of
implementing the Tempus TOULL (tourism and Lifelong Learning Network) project. The
research was based on the methods of expert assessment, pedagogical experiment,
Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Life-Long Learning (LLL), CLIL (Content and Language
Integrated Learning) and others. The paper reflects the key challenges of developing and
teaching Master’s Degree programs in Tourism at Russian universities. The features of
using the PBL method are grounded, and the prospects of establishing Regional Tourism
Resource Centres for running professional development and retraining programs are
described basing on the example of Kemerovo State University. The key competences of
the students taking up professional development and retraining programs in tourism and hospitality are listed. The materials presented in this paper will be useful for both
knowledge institutions training tourism and hospitality staff and tourism and hospitality
enterprises.