Enhancing Students' Performance and Conceptual Understanding in Isometric Drawing through the Use of Coded Plans and Structured Isometric Paper

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Isometric Drawing is one of the topics being discussed in the exploratory course of Technical Drafting. It is one of the methods of representing designs/drawings in three dimension which provides a detailed visual representation of what a plan or object is intended to be in detail. As revealed by some studies, it is considered to be one of the critical topics in engineering drawing subjects. In Dasmarinas West National High School, it has been observed that the Grade 8 learners were having difficulties in conceptualizing and demonstrating isometric drawing using proper drafting tools. This often leads to low level of understanding and non-compliance or non-submission of performance task -which constitute a major percentage in the grading system in the TLE subject. To combat these difficulties, two instructional material was developed and utilized: a devised coded plan and isometric grid paper.

METHODS

This study applied the experimental method of research specifically the one-shot pretest-posttest design. Respondents were conveniently selected and were given a pre-test which consisted of two types of assessment: a 20-item multiple choice test intended to measure the conceptual understanding of the leaners and an actual individual demonstration -a performance task -wherein students are to draw the possible isometric drawing of a given plan. The use of coded plan and structured isometric paper were incorporated during the discussion and practices. Only 25 paired scores were taken and those were from the learners who were present and have completed the necessary procedures such as taking of pre-test and posttest, delivery of actual discussion, exercises, and evaluation.

RESULTS

Three research questions were aimed to be answered in this research. Research question 1 and 2 intend to find any significant differences between the pretest and posttest mean score in terms of students' conceptual understanding and performance task respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest for both conceptual understanding and students' performance.

DISCUSSIONS

Results of this action research exhibited clear evidence that the combined use of a coded plan and structured isometric paper could be an innovative and practical strategy to enhance learning in the isometric drawing. However, in-depth research of related literature and studies is further recommended for a more strengthened comparison of the results of the study.