Bitterness on the Top of the Pie: Challenges in Arduino Robotics from A Public School Students’ Perspective

Abstract

Robotics which has already become an essential part of the global economy is now considered as the best tool for Project Based Learning. However, literature shows that project-based work is not common in science classrooms and students do not have the expected level of skills and knowledge to execute project work. Therefore, the importance of this study was to find out the challenges that the Grade 9 researchers faced in conducting researches using Arduino robotics for the Science Investigatory Project. This research utilized descriptive qualitative study wherein the researchers interviewed the Grade 9 students under Science, Technology and Engineering Program (STEP) who faced the challenges in conducting researches using Arduino robotics, which is the main focus of this study, using a researcher-made interview guide. Findings revealed that the respondents encountered challenges in terms of the acquisition of the materials they needed, time management, sufficiency of fund, and they lack knowledge and background on Arduino robotics. Dealing with these challenges, the respondents looked for alternatives, filled their own minds with knowledge and they sought the help of professionals. Determining the challenges while preparing and conducting a project or understanding how project work is conceived vital. This may serve as basis for the future researchers to focus on these challenges in order to meet the desired level of project work.