earticle

영어

This study aims to design and propose the Busan-style Education for Aquatic Minds (BEAM) model as a regionally adaptive framework for marine education. The BEAM model seeks to revitalize Busan’s identity as a maritime city by integrating education, local industry, public policy, and civic engagement into a cohesive learning ecosystem. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitatively, the PKNU Maritime Index was analyzed to assess the current level of marine education competence in Busan. Qualitatively, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 experts from major East Asian maritime universities (Taiwan Ocean University, Shanghai University, Shanghai Ocean University) to explore perceptions of practical education, policy support, and cross-sector collaboration. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes, and the results were triangulated to inform the model design. Findings revealed that marine education in Korea remains fragmented and primarily school-centered, with limited integration across industry and civic sectors. Based on these insights, the BEAM model was developed around three core principles (Locality, Integration, and Practicality) and organized into three learning stages: BEAM Start, BEAM Grow, and BEAM Action. Each stage includes modular programs connecting academic learning with real-world problem-solving through project-based learning, STEAM integration, and civic collaboration. The proposed model demonstrates strong potential as a sustainable educational ecosystem linking regional innovation, human resource development, and community participation. The BEAM model provides a strategic blueprint for region-specific, interdisciplinary marine education. It advances the paradigm from knowledge transmission to social practice, emphasizing participatory learning and multi-stakeholder governance. Future research should empirically validate the model’s educational impact and explore its scalability to other coastal regions.