Development and validation of triz-based module for enhancing problem solving skills in tvet final year project

Abstract

Problem solving skills are one of the most important aspects of soft skills and they are an indispensable feature of becoming a competent and competitive worker. However, industries response showed that today's graduates are unable to meet the industry's needs because of their lack of this skill. Therefore, to address this issue, an approach known as TRIZ-Module has been introduced. This module was implemented in some final year projects of students studying in tertiary education in Malaysia. In this study, critical aspects of problems are solved based on engineering principles on conflicts handling. The Experience-Based Learning theory was also the basis for the implementation of the module intervention of this study. The development process followed five steps of ADDIE Model for conflicts to be minimized and systematically resolved. The respondents of this study were students majored in Manufacturing Technology and Mechatronics Industrial Technology Engineering from Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Balik Pulau. The study respondents were divided into two groups which were the control group and the treatment group. To investigate the effectiveness of the intervention, only the treatment group was selected to undergo the intervention. Meanwhile, the control group continued to learn using the existing method. This research instrument used questionnaires that had been tested for validity and reliability. The findings data was analysed by using SPSS software using the T test method before and after the test. The findings revealed that the respondents had a better understanding on problem solving. It was indicated through their grades.