Relevant Interactive Learning Strategies Needed for Training of Polytechnic Pre-Service Technicians for Diagnosis and Repairs of Modern Automobilesin North-Eastern Nigeria

The main purpose of this study was to determined competency training needs of polytechnic Pre-service technicians for diagnosis and repairs of modern automobiles in North-Eastern Nigeria. The study sought to answer two research questions using Competency Outcome Performance Assessment (COPA) model framework. It is paramount importance to note that competency training needs of diagnosis and repairs of modern cars requires practical and effective training skills to be able to adequately repair them. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was made up of 384 technicians in automotive technology in the NBTE accredited polytechnics in Northern Nigeria. Out of 384 a sample of 192 was randomly selected for the study. The questionnaire consisted of 192 tasks on diagnosis and repairs skills needed, developed with reference to curriculum of National Automobile Technician Education (NATE) and National Vocational Certificate in Automotive / Mechatronics approved by National Board for Technical Education. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: A & B, (see Appendix I). Section A contains items designed to obtain personal information of the respondents, while section B is divided into four sub-sections (I, II, III & IV). The instrument was developed using COPA Model structure, adapted from Lenburge et al (2009). A four-point rating scale ranges from Highly Needed (HN) = 4, Needed (N) = 3, Moderately Needed (MN) = 2, Least Needed (LN) = 1 was employed in sub-section I, while four-point rating scaled ranges from most relevant (4), highly relevant (3), moderately relevant (2) and less relevant. A reliability test of the instrument was also conducted and analyzed using Cronbach Alpha coefficient method and yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.80. Data generated from the use of the questionnaire was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23rd version software using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. Findings revealed relevant interactive strategies needed in the training of polytechnic Pre-service Technicians in diagnosis and repairs of modern Automobiles. Based on the findings of the study, appropriate recommendations were made, among which is, that the identified modern technology skills should be integrated into the curriculum of Automotive Technology programme in Nigerian polytechnic. Identified interactive skills will help lecturers in developing lesson plan using the competencies that are essentially needed by Pre-service automotive technicians in order for them to prepare on how to teach them appropriately.

Relevant Interactive Learning Strategies Needed for Training of Polytechnic Pre-Service Technicians for Diagnosis and Repairs of Modern Automobiles in North-Eastern Nigeria

The main purpose of this study was to determined competency training needs of polytechnic Pre-service technicians for diagnosis and repairs of modern automobiles in NorthEastern Nigeria. The study sought to answer two research questions using Competency Outcome Performance Assessment (COPA) model framework. It is paramount importance to note that competency training needs of diagnosis and repairs of modern cars requires practical and effective training skills to be able to adequately repair them. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was made up of 384 technicians in automotive technology in the NBTE accredited polytechnics in Northern Nigeria. Out of 384 a sample of 192 was randomly selected for the study. The questionnaire consisted of 192 tasks on diagnosis and repairs skills needed, developed with reference to curriculum of National Automobile Technician Education (NATE) and National Vocational Certificate in Automotive / Mechatronics approved by National Board for Technical Education. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: A & B, (see Appendix I). Section A contains items designed to obtain personal information of the respondents, while section B is divided into four sub-sections (I, II, III & IV). The instrument was developed using COPA Model structure, adapted from Lenburge et al (2009). A four-point rating scale ranges from Highly Needed (HN) = 4, Needed (N) = 3, Moderately Needed (MN) = 2, Least Needed (LN) = 1 was employed in sub-section I, while four-point rating scaled ranges from most relevant (4), highly relevant (3), moderately relevant (2) and less relevant. A reliability test of the instrument was also conducted and analyzed using Cronbach Alpha coefficient method and yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.80. Data generated from the use of the questionnaire was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23rd version software using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. Findings revealed relevant interactive strategies needed in the training of polytechnic Pre-service Technicians in diagnosis and repairs of modern Automobiles. Based on the findings of the study, appropriate recommendations were made, among which is, that the identified modern technology skills should be integrated into the curriculum of Automotive Technology programme in Nigerian polytechnic. Identified interactive skills will help lecturers in developing lesson plan using the competencies that are essentially needed by Pre-service automotive technicians in order for them to prepare on how to teach them appropriately.

Needs Analysis of Contextual Training for Automotive Technicians

The advancement of technology make automotive industry has to improve rapidly, it causes the training for technicians must be update continuously, so it confuses some instructors it caused some of these trainings often ineffective, they are not what the company truly needs. This study aims to analyze the needs to make an effective training in the automotive industry. This method was developed to minimize errors that would occur while develop a training for technicians. This study used a qualitative approach, the data to be studied were collected through interviews with technicians and instructors, literature review also used in this study. The results of this study is to produce a needs analysis method that considers aspects of learning according to context in order to keep up with technology advancement. A training can be effective if the needs of the company were fulfilled, utilizing learning facilities that company already has can also increase the training development process. The contribution of the results of this research to the field of educational technology is a method for analyzing training needs specifically for technicians in order to assist other researchers in field of educational technology to develop training for technicians.

Evaluasi Tempat Uji Kompetensi Teknisi Otomotif dalam Peningkatan Mutu Lulusan Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan

The objective of this research is to evaluate the context, input, process and product components in Evaluating Implementation of Competency Test Place for Automotive Technician at SMK Negeri 2 Salatiga. The implementation of this research is conducted with a descriptive evaluative research method using CIPP (context, input, process and product) evaluation model. Data collection in this research is carried out through interviews, observations and documentations which are validated through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) activities. The results of this research stated that: 1). Context Evaluation of Implementation Competency Test Place for Automotive Technician at SMK Negeri 2 Salatiga is based on the identification of needs and policies by the government; 2). Input Evaluation of Implementation Competency Test Place for Automotive Technician at SMK Negeri 2 Salatiga already has technical and administrative readiness in the Field of Automotive Engineering Expertise; and Competency Test for Automotive Technicians; 3). Process Evaluation of Implementation Competency Test Place for Automotive Technician is still not in accordance with expectations and plans that have been made; 4). Product Evaluation of Implementation Competency Test Place for Automotive Technician at SMK Negeri 2 Salatiga has been carried out, however there are still many obstacles encountered in it. The conclusion of this research is the decision on the Implementation Competency Test Place for Automotive Technician at SMK Negeri 2 Salatiga is more incremental. It seems to be an important consideration that the Implementation Competency Test Place for Automotive Technician at SMK Negeri 2 Salatiga should be continued with some improvements.

Effectiveness of the Two-in-One Device; Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Testing Instrument

Technological modernization and invention have brought convenience that life has become fulfilling, and they give amusement to our lives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Instrument that can be used to determine the condition of an Ignition coil through high voltage output and also spark plug through visible spark. It made use of project and experimental method of research. This was accomplished in three phases namely: the making of the design for the device, constructing the device and testing the device functionality through actual observation. Group of experts coming from the automotive and electronic sectors evaluated the effectiveness of the automotive testing instrument. A five-point Likert scale was used to find the mean product and the descriptive rating in terms of usefulness, effectives, functionality, reliability and safety. The results of the study revealed that the output voltage and frequency are directly proportional to the resistance of network Ra, but inversely proportional to resistance network Rb in the circuit. The output frequency is directly proportional to the output voltage. The evaluation of the group of experts in terms of usefulness, effectiveness, functionality, reliability and safety was rated excellent respectively. The device is an instrument for automotive technicians in testing ignition coil and spark plugs. The researchers recommended further study about the device for its safety because based on the result it has the least rating among the different standards although it was evaluated as “Excellent.” Keywords – Engineering, development, ignition, spark plug, testing instrument, R and D, Vigan City, Philippines