Development and validation of an interactive skill training kit for enhancing mechatronics professional competencies in industrial production processes

Abstract

This study aimed to design and assess a skill training kit for industrial production processes to improve undergraduate mechatronics engineering students’ professional competencies. The learning activities provided in the kit were designed using the ADDIE instructional design model's stages, Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, to promote active participation, critical thought, experimentation, and ongoing assessment. The aim was to: (1) develop a skill training kit for industrial production processes, (2) assess the effectiveness of the skill training kit for industrial production processes, (3) analyze the difference in professional competencies of learners in the experimental group as compared to control group, and (4) determine the level of satisfaction experienced by learners using the industrial production process skill training kit. A purposeful sample of 28 undergraduate students enrolled in the first semester of the 2025 academic year participated in this study. All students had obtained prior instruction in Programmable Logic Controllers and Sensors, and Control Devices. The study instruments included the training kit, instructional manuals, work checklists, performance tests, competency tests, and satisfaction questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages, mean, and standard deviations). The study showed: (1) that the training kit had a very high quality (mean = 4.63), (2) the learning efficiency was above the threshold benchmark, (3) that students in the training kit experimental group significantly improved overall and domain-specific professional competencies (better outcome) than students in the control condition at the 0.05 statistically significant level., and (4) students had a high level of satisfaction with the training kit (mean = 4.49). Overall, a training kit systematically designed with improvement could enhance students’ practical skills, professional competencies, and learning satisfaction in a mechatronics engineering course.