Development and Effectiveness of Electrical Trainer in Basic Electrical Connection

Abstract: An Electrical Trainer was developed and tested to serve as an instructional aid for Basic Electrical Connection. It includes authentic electrical equipment, safety elements (such as circuit breakers), analog multitester, and transportation frame to allow students to practice wiring, switching, measuring and fault detection. The purpose of the study was to identify technical features; to evaluate pre/post test student performance; to assess if there is a significant difference between pre/post test performances; and to establish acceptability for composition, operating attributes, and safety. Developmental method of research was utilized. The device were designed, manufactured, tested and evaluated through both engineers and students. Evaluation of the Trainer included members evaluating technical features, quality of design, operating performance and safety. Data were collected through; engineer manufacturing evaluations, student performance evaluations prior to use of Trainer vs. after use; acceptability; through statistical analysis of means and paired sample t- tests. Evaluation results indicated that an Electrical Trainer manufactured with wood frame/base, plywood wiring board, switching devices, electrical outlets (supply), incandescent bulbs, alarm device (sound and visual), residual current circuit breaker, prototype analog multitester, junction boxes, tool/personal protective equipment compartment, casters, and fault detection capability. Student performance improved from Satisfactory (Pre Test) to Excellent (Post Test) by use of the Trainer to develop practical skills in wiring, switching, measuring, troubleshooting. Statistical analysis supports that the improvement in performance from Pre Test vs. Post Test was statistically significant. Because of this, it has been determined that the increase in performance is directly correlated to use of the Trainer. The Electrical Trainer has been rated Very Acceptable in terms of design, operating performance, and safety. Conclusions from this study support the theory that an Electrical Trainer for Basic Electrical Connection is functional, safe, acceptable, and a means to provide improvement in practical competency for students studying for a career in Electrical.

Keywords: Electrical Trainer; Basic Electrical Connection; Electrical Installation; Electrical Maintenance; Technical- Vocational Education; Hands-on Learning; Instructional Device; Skill Development; Competency-Based Learning.