Novel approach for assessing psychomotor domain in engineering technology courses

Abstract

Evaluation of laboratory experiences of engineering technology students do not include the assessment of psychomotor domain due to lack of suitable measuring tool. This is despite the importance of this domain in engineering and engineering technology courses. Current assessment practices using reports and test for assessing laboratory experiences in Engineering Technology courses can only assess student's achievement in the cognitive domain. A new assessment method is needed to assess that elusive component of laboratory experiences in engineering technology referred to by most people as "hands-on practical experience". Existing techniques for measuring psychomotor skills that have emerged from attempts to improve selection in recruitment processes may provide a potentially useful tool for such a purpose. The aim of this study is to develop ways to test changes in practical experience in order to assess unintentional learning related to classic psychomotor skills in engineering technology laboratory classes. The methodology used to develop the instrument is described and empirical data supporting its validity are presented.