3-phase Alternating Current (ac) Induction Motor Sequential Controller: an Instructional Apparatus

Abstract

Technology education would require high quality, effective laboratory instruction which involves manipulation of instructional apparatuses. Instructional apparatuses provide students to experience the real field of work. However, due to its inadequacy in the electrical technology laboratory, the instructors experienced difficulty of providing the skills to the students particularly on motor control which involves complex designing and installation that needs a skillful and technically-knowledgeable person. In the interest of alleviating this problem, the researchers design an instructional apparatus that address the needs of the electrical technology students. This study aimed to assemble and assess the performance of the 3-Phase Alternating Current (AC) Induction Motor Sequential Controller and find out its effectiveness as an instructional apparatus. Moreover, it finds out its acceptability level in terms of performance, convenience of use, safety, assembly and cost. This was conducted in Bohol Island State University–Calape, Bohol in the Academic Year 2015-2016 for the improvement of instruction in electrical technology. The respondents of the study were the third year students of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, major in Electricity and Technical Experts from BISU system. This study made use of experimental methods of research specifically one group pre-skill test and post-skill test design in developing the apparatus and testing its effectiveness in enhancing the skills of the students. The descriptive design was used in determining the acceptability level of the apparatus supplemented with observation guide to measure its performance level. The result of the study revealed that students’ performance using the apparatus was increased by 52.24%. The acceptability level of the apparatus was rated very high by the respondents, obtaining the average weighted mean of 3.62. The result showed that the apparatus is suitable to be utilized in the electrical technology as a tool for instruction. The researchers highly recommend utilizing the apparatus as a tool for instruction in electrical technology laboratories.