Journals / Journal of Marine and Engineering Technology / 2026 / Cilt: 6 Sayı: 1

A Cognitive–Operational Learning Architecture Proposal Addressing Emerging Needs in Maritime Education within the Context of Generational Transformation: The MOCA Model

Kuşaksal Dönüşüm Bağlamında Denizcilik Eğitiminde Ortaya Çıkan Gereksinimlere Yönelik Bilişsel–Operasyonel Bir Öğrenme Mimarisi Önerisi: MOCA Modeli

Pages
26–59
Publication Date
2026-06-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The study contributes to maritime education by introducing cognitive continuity as an organizing pedagogical principle, proposing pedagogical synchronization as a mechanism for connecting learning environments, and presenting an integrated framework that aligns maritime education with the learning characteristics of digital-age generations while strengthening the progression from theoretical learning to operational competence.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Maritime education requires the transformation of theoretical knowledge into operational competence through a combination of classroom instruction, practical training, simulation-based learning, and onboard experience.
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Key Findings & Data:However, these educational components are frequently implemented as separate learning activities, creating challenges in maintaining cognitive connections between conceptual understanding and operational application.
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Conclusion & Impact:The study contributes to maritime education by introducing cognitive continuity as an organizing pedagogical principle, proposing pedagogical synchronization as a mechanism for connecting learning environments, and presenting an integrated framework that aligns maritime education with the learning characteristics of digital-age generations while strengthening the progression from theoretical learning to operational competence.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Denizcilik operasyonel bilişsel mimarisi (MOCA) · bilişsel süreklilik · aşamalı bilgi yeniden yapılandırması

Abstract

Maritime education requires the transformation of theoretical knowledge into operational competence through a combination of classroom instruction, practical training, simulation-based learning, and onboard experience. However, these educational components are frequently implemented as separate learning activities, creating challenges in maintaining cognitive connections between conceptual understanding and operational application. This challenge has become increasingly significant with the emergence of digitally oriented generations that benefit from visualization, interaction, contextual learning, and repeated engagement with knowledge across multiple learning environments. This study proposes the Maritime Operational Cognitive Architecture (MOCA), a conceptual learning framework designed to strengthen cognitive continuity throughout the competence development process. Using a conceptual model development approach, the study synthesizes literature on maritime education, simulation-based learning, competency development, cognitive learning theories, instructional design, and generational transformation. Based on this synthesis, MOCA integrates theoretical instruction, visualization, experiential learning, simulation-supported learning, and operational practice into a continuous and interconnected learning architecture. The framework consists of four interconnected layers: Cognitive Structuring and Knowledge Development, Pedagogical Synchronization, Operational Competence Development, and a Multi-Layered Simulation Ecosystem. Central to the model is the principle of cognitive continuity, through which learners repeatedly encounter, visualize, apply, and reconstruct knowledge across different educational environments. Within this architecture, simulation is repositioned from a discrete training environment to a continuous pedagogical component embedded throughout the learning process, supporting conceptual understanding, visualization, knowledge reinforcement, experiential learning, and competence development. The study contributes to maritime education by introducing cognitive continuity as an organizing pedagogical principle, proposing pedagogical synchronization as a mechanism for connecting learning environments, and presenting an integrated framework that aligns maritime education with the learning characteristics of digital-age generations while strengthening the progression from theoretical learning to operational competence.

Özet

Denizcilik eğitimi, teorik bilginin operasyonel yeterliliğe dönüştürülmesini gerektiren karmaşık bir öğrenme sürecidir. Bu süreç; teorik öğretim, uygulamalı eğitimler, simülasyon destekli öğrenme ve gemi üzerindeki deneyimlerin bütünleşik şekilde kullanılmasını gerektirmektedir. Ancak bu eğitim bileşenleri çoğu zaman birbirinden bağımsız öğrenme faaliyetleri olarak uygulanmakta ve teorik bilgi ile operasyonel uygulama arasındaki bilişsel bağlantıların sürekliliğini sağlamada çeşitli güçlükler ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu durum, görselleştirme, etkileşim, bağlamsal öğrenme ve tekrar yoluyla öğrenmeden daha fazla yararlanan dijital çağ kuşaklarının eğitim sistemlerine dahil olmasıyla birlikte daha da önem kazanmıştır. Bu çalışma, yeterlilik geliştirme süreci boyunca bilişsel sürekliliği güçlendirmeyi amaçlayan Denizcilik Operasyonel Bilişsel Mimari (Maritime Operational Cognitive Architecture – MOCA) modelini önermektedir. Kavramsal model geliştirme yaklaşımına dayanan araştırma; denizcilik eğitimi, simülasyon temelli öğrenme, yeterlilik geliştirme, bilişsel öğrenme kuramları, öğretim tasarımı ve kuşaksal dönüşüm literatürlerini bütünleştirerek yeni bir öğrenme mimarisi geliştirmektedir. Önerilen model, teorik öğretim, görselleştirme süreçleri, deneyimsel öğrenme, simülasyon destekli öğrenme ve operasyonel uygulamaları birbirine bağlı ve sürekli bir öğrenme akışı içerisinde ele almaktadır. MOCA; Bilişsel Yapılandırma ve Bilgi Geliştirme Katmanı, Pedagojik Senkronizasyon Katmanı, Operasyonel Yeterlilik Geliştirme Katmanı ve Çok Katmanlı Simülasyon Ekosistemi olmak üzere dört bütünleşik katmandan oluşmaktadır. Modelin temelini oluşturan bilişsel süreklilik ilkesi, öğrencilerin farklı öğrenme ortamlarında bilgiyi tekrar tekrar görselleştirmesine, uygulamasına, yeniden yapılandırmasına ve operasyonel bağlamlarda kullanmasına olanak sağlamaktadır. Bu çerçevede simülasyon, yalnızca uygulama ve değerlendirme amacıyla kullanılan bir eğitim aracı olarak değil, teorik öğrenmeden operasyonel yeterliliğe kadar uzanan tüm süreçlere entegre edilen sürekli bir pedagojik bileşen olarak yeniden konumlandırılmaktadır. Çalışma, bilişsel sürekliliği denizcilik eğitimine yönelik temel bir pedagojik ilke olarak tanımlamakta, farklı öğrenme ortamlarını bütünleştiren bir senkronizasyon mekanizması önermekte ve denizcilik eğitimini dijital çağ kuşaklarının öğrenme özellikleriyle uyumlu hale getiren bütünleşik bir öğrenme çerçevesi sunmaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Topuz, A. (2026). A Cognitive–Operational Learning Architecture Proposal Addressing Emerging Needs in Maritime Education within the Context of Generational Transformation: The MOCA Model. Journal of Marine and Engineering Technology, Cilt: 6 Sayı: 1, 26–59. https://doi.org/10.58771/joinmet.1901132

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