Video-excursion expert evaluation methodology in guide training

The article focuses on the specifics of video-excursions as a variety of the case-study method. The authors identify the major methodological problems of currently implemented tour-guide HE instructional courses, and reveal the key detriments to the students' knowledge and skill development in the sphere of organization and realization of excursions. The authors describe the video-excursion case study method as a way of distance familiarization and content/quality/structure/technology evaluation of real-life museum excursions. The method presupposes problem-solving: the students are required to analyse the video recordings of excursions held at museums of different types, specializations and ranges of activity. The authors have developed an expert evaluation form which the students fill in while analyzing the video recording. The form consists of nine sections for an evaluation of the methodology and mastery of the tour guide, the content of the excursion, the specifics of interaction with a given group of tourists, the exhibition, functional and emotional impact. The article provides teacher recommendations and outlines the competences (content, activity, communicative, personal) that the video-excursion method serves to develop. The authors also emphasize that the method promotes the students' expert skills (criteria setting, practical evaluation), which is conducive of learner autonomy.