Electronic Engineering Students Research Articles

Development of the Bipolar Junction Transistor Diagnostic Test (BJTDT) to explore the second-year undergraduate Myanmar electronic and Thai electrical engineering students’ understanding of BJT working principles and applications

ABSTRACT A bipolar junction transistor (BJT) and its operation are fundamental concepts for the understanding of power electronics (industrial electronics), transistor-transistor logic (TTL), electronic switching, and signal amplification in modern electronics. Previous research showed that non-major engineering, computer, electronic, and electrical engineering students could not understand the basic concepts involved in a BJT. This paper describes the development of a two-tier diagnostic test, the test’s administration, limitations, the participants’ detailed context, and findings from a study that explores Myanmar and Thai second-year undergraduate students’ understanding of BJT working principles and applications. The results revealed that many students in both countries had the same alternative conceptions about collector current in each operation mode of the BJT. Some alternative conceptions differ from the previous research, such as a) the collector current does not depend on the base current in cut-off mode, and b) changing the collector current does not depend on the base current in active mode, but it depends on the collector supply voltage. These research findings provide valuable information and instruments for teachers to insight, prevent, and correct the alternative conceptions proposed by students.

Exploring the Impact of Tinkercad-Assisted Learning on Student Performance in Industrial Electronics Subject

This research explored the impact of implementing Tinkercad-assisted learning media on the learning outcomes of 11th-grade Electronics Engineering students at SMK Negeri 5 Padang, focusing on embedded system programming. Employing a quasi-experimental design with a Non-equivalent Control Group Design method, the study comprised an experimental group using Tinkercad and a control group undergoing traditional direct learning. The analysis of pretest and posttest data revealed a significant difference between the two groups, with the experimental group exhibiting an 11.5% improvement in learning outcomes. The hypothesis test, employing the t-test, yielded a t-value of 2.231, surpassing the critical t-value (1.708). Consequently, the null hypothesis (H0) was rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (H1) was accepted. The study concludes that the implementation of Tinkercad-assisted learning media had a significantly positive influence on the learning outcomes of Electronics Engineering students. These findings contribute to both practical and theoretical understanding regarding the effectiveness of Tinkercad in enhancing student learning outcomes in embedded system programming. It is recommended that further emphasis be placed on integrating Tinkercad into the curriculum to enrich students’ learning experiences and elevate the overall educational quality at SMK Negeri 5 Padang.

Analysis of personality traits using Myers-Briggs type indicator in correlation to the academic performance of BS ECE undergraduates

academic performance among Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering (BS ECE) students. A sample of 70 students completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment and provided academic performance data. Statistical analyses using Microsoft Excel examined associations between MBTI types and achievement. Overall, sensing and introverted types like ISTJ and ISFJ were most prevalent while intuitive, extroverted types were uncommon. The highest academic scorers frequently exhibited introverted, sensing, feeling traits such as ISFJ. Lower performers sometimes showed opposite extraverted, thinking types like ESTJ. Results indicate certain personality profiles may be drawn to engineering fields where they can thrive. However, variations emerged even among poorer scorers. Differences in thinking versus feeling dimensions also distinguished top and bottom achievers. While insightful, the small sample size limits generalizability. Assessing more undergraduate year levels could provide additional perspectives. Findings imply tailoring instructional methods to traits like introversion or thinking may optimize student engagement and learning. Monitoring personality development throughout engineering curricula may also support retention. Further research on personality's interaction with program demands over time is needed. Exploring larger samples across multiple cohorts and degrees could reveal more patterns. This initial investigation fills a knowledge gap, but expanded studies using bigger samples will deepen understanding of links between personality and performance in engineering education.

Mathematics as Determinant of Students’ HOTS Among HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering Students in Ghana

One crucial component of education is developing higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). The aim of this study is to analyze mathematics as determinant of students’ HOTS among HND electrical and electronic engineering student in Ghana. The test format tool used had two indicators, critical and creative thinking, and the subjects for the research were 488 electrical and electronic engineering students from 4 randomly selected Technical Universities in Ghana. The Cronbach Alpha reliability test was performed, and the Pearson test was used to assess the validity of the MAT instrument. Data were processed and analysed using SPSS version 26.0 software. Multiple regression was used as the estimation technique, and the results show a positive high correlation between HOTS and probability (0.757), and positive moderate correlations for algebra (0.669), functions (0.633), trigonometry and complex numbers (0.604), and calculus and differential equations (0.572). These statistics suggest that the level of understanding of mathematics concepts, particularly probability, can determine HOTS. The study's implication is that engineering mathematics curriculum developers should stress the practical applications of mathematics, especially probability in everyday life and offer opportunities for students to use their mathematical knowledge to solve real-world problems in order to develop HOTS.

Implementing Book-end Division Approach using ClassPoint to Energize Electrical and Electronics Engineering Student Engagement

TThis study investigates the efficacy of using ClassPoint in improving student engagement during class and its impact on academic performance among electrical and electronics engineering students by using student engagement framework that established by technology-enhanced learning (TEL) environment microsystem. To achieve this objective, five instructors teaching various courses incorporated ClassPoint into their classes. Then, quantitative data on student engagement and academic performance were collected via surveys. The student’s comments are extracted from university teaching evaluation survey (EPAT) for thematic analysis. The descriptive analysis revealed a significant increase in student engagement after ClassPoint was implemented. Furthermore, students appreciated the use of ClassPoint features such as slide-drawing, multiple choice questions, and word clouds during classes. Survey results also show students have greater attentiveness, active participation, and improved interactions with their peers and instructors. Likert scale responses indicate positive correlation between the use of ClassPoint and students’ enhanced performance in class discussions, idea integration, increased interest in learning, and improved classroom dynamics. Moreover, thematic analysis shows the empowering of five element in TEL microsystem with ClassPoint increase the student engagement. This study highlights ClassPoint's effectiveness in creating an inclusive and interactive learning environment, thus, transforming teaching methods for electrical and electronics engineering students.

Analysis of Placement for Electronics and Communication Engineering Students using Multiple Clustering

Analysis of Placement for Electronics and Communication Engineering Students using Multiple Clustering

University electronics engineering students’ approaches of integrating mathematical ideas into the learning of physical electronics in basic electronics

The limited knowledge of mathematical ideas and the high dropout rate of students in the schools of engineering throughout the country each year is alarming. One of the reasons attributed to this high failure rate is the students’ inability to integrate and apply the main mathematics constructs covered in the engineering courses. In this regard, this paper takes as its point of departure that the integration of mathematical concepts in engineering courses is unavoidable, particularly, in physical electronics. It gives credence to the objectives of engineering courses, that students should be able to interpret mathematics during design, apply appropriate technology to solve natural and man-made problems, evaluate engineering solutions, and appreciate a broad spectrum of knowledge. It thus argues for the use of a practical pedagogical multidisciplinary integrative model in the learning and teaching of engineering courses. The focus of the paper is on electronic engineering students’ knowledge of the mathematical ideas adopted and how the students blend and integrate advanced mathematics into their learning of physical electronics in a basic electronics course. The participants report that certain strategies are adopted when integrating mathematical concepts into the teaching and learning of physical electronics. These include Identification of the problem, selection of appropriate mathematical ideas, the analysis of the problem mathematics concepts, recognizing the degree of the mathematics concepts usage during integration, memorization method and the final result of interdisciplinary integration. This study was carried out using a qualitative approach of data collection in order to report a naturalistic view of the 15 electronics engineering students learning physical electronics as a course.

IEEE SSCS Beijing Chapter Organizes Five ISSCC Promotion Seminars [Chapters

The IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society (SSCS) Beijing Chapter, together with the SSCS Tsinghua Student Chapter, organized five International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) promotion seminars from late March to April, at Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing University of Technology, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, respectively. The participants were mainly undergraduates majoring in electronic engineering and junior graduate students majoring in IC design.

Designing an EAP Course for Undergraduate Engineering Students

This case study specifies the academic English needs of English Medium Instruction (EMI) Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) students in a state university in Turkey. Curriculum design process of the project rested on Nation and Macalister’s (2010) framework. 33 students, five instructors in EEE department, and a language instructor took part in the need analysis (NA) stage. The data collection tools included checklists, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data gathered through the student and instructor questionnaires were analysed through SPSS Statistics v.22 software package programme. Codes, categories, and themes were generated to interpret the qualitative data. Based on the findings of the NA and environment analysis, we offered curriculum renewal for the English I-II courses by taking students’ learning needs and environmental constraints into account. The resulting data revealed that the existing English for General Purposes (EGP) course failed to satisfy both students and instructors. An English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course geared towards motivating students towards using English in their departmental courses and future work/studies was suggested. The results of the NA as well as the chosen principles were the main drivers and determinants of the goals, content, format, and proposed assessment procedures of the new course.

Evaluation of the learning management system and its relationship in the perception of engineering students

<span lang="EN-US">The objective of this study was to identify the results of the learning management system (LMS) functionality, and its relationship in the perception of electronic engineering students. The results serve as a basis for continuous improvement for the higher institution, because these systems are tools that have the purpose of improving the performance and retention of the student in the virtual teaching-learning process. Initially, the reliability of the data collected was determined using Cronbach's Alpha, obtaining a consistency coefficient of 0.868. After processing the data in the SPSS software, using the 5-level Likert scale, it was determined that the indicators that present a better perception are related to the design and ease of navigation. However, 21.4% do not fully agree with the functionality, due to the technical problems presented when downloading the study material. The effect generated by the optimal functionality of the LMS is 70.87% satisfaction in students. The Chi square test validated the cause-effect relationship, with a significance of 0.000, between the functionality of the LMS, on the perception of the students. It determined that the indicators with a greater relationship refer to design, availability (connectivity) and ease of communication and interaction with the teacher and their peers.</span>

Blending E-Learning with Hands-on Laboratory Instruction in Engineering Education

Among the various information sources exploited for the improvement of the learning process and outcomes, access and usage data from the interaction of students with e-learning platforms along with (past) student performance data are established as the two most meaningful and informative groups of variables. In the present study, these two groups of variables are jointly investigated as to their efficiency in providing both accurate and early prediction of student performance and behavior. The relevant educational intervention is designed and implemented as a quasi-experiment with undergraduate Electrical and Electronics Engineering students, under a novel approach that blends e-learning (asynchronous e-study and synchronous e-assessment) with a hands-on laboratory component. Can educational data mining algorithms provide both early and accurate prediction of student performance and student behavior under this scenario? If yes, how much prediction accuracy can be traded for prediction timeliness in order to allow a proactive class instructor take supportive measures for weak/marginal students, implementing a ‘self-contained’ strategy? To answer these questions, real data from the interaction of 3 academic year student cohorts with moodle are collected and analyzed. Results reveal that the proposed scenario can afford both accurate and early prediction of student performance and behavior, on the basis of data collected within the running academic term. The middle of the term is indicated as the earliest time point for getting meaningful predictions. Moreover, clustering of the data in the selected feature space reveals a consistent and therefore exploitable behavior of students along the term.

Knowledge Transfer in Higher Education Institutions Focused on Entrepreneurial Activities of Electronic Instrumentation

Although society, governments and the business sector are increasingly demanding that Higher Academic Centers translate their innovative potential into products and services that affect society, little is known or done about the entrepreneurial skills that both lecturers and students need in the context of electronic engineering academic degrees. Inevitably, the fact that some teachers lack certain skill sets will have a negative impact on some students’ professional careers. This article demonstrates a range of initiatives in knowledge transfer which have been carried out over more than 30 years by the university research team making the proposal. Such initiatives have allowed the integration of, not only creative thinking, but also other skills differing from traditional teaching and which can help students to successfully compete for jobs requiring higher qualifications. Following the methodology of a case study within the framework of the Polytechnic University School of Vilanova i la Geltrú (EPSEVG) of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), the novelty of the research lies in its focus on the results obtained. In the 1990s, entrepreneurial initiatives encouraged the creation of reference laboratories and the teaching of innovative subjects in the field of virtual instrumentation. Years later, this teaching activity would be complemented by the launch of lines of research/technology transfer. It should be noted that, in its initial stages, this entrepreneurial trajectory was characterized by limited material and human resources, but thanks to the discovery of little-explored areas of activity (niches), opting for working in cooperation networks (science-technology symbiosis), and the entrepreneurial profile of the members of the research team, it has been possible to gain a space in the research/development of marine technologies in the national and European context, as stated in the text. This empirical research has contributed significantly to shaping a new degree in Marine Sciences and Technologies. Likewise, the results of this study reveal that a significant number of electronic engineering students have acquired entrepreneurial skills by engaging in teaching and research and development activities in different Higher Academic Centers.

Learning Styles Towards Entrepreneurship Learning Outcomes and Career Development: A Structural Equation Model Analysis

Learning styles play an important role in improving entrepreneurial learning outcomes and career development. Information processing and understanding of a theory will be well absorbed with the application of the right learning style. This research was conducted to determine the extent of the influence of the application of learning styles on the learning outcomes of entrepreneurship and career development of electronic engineering students. The number of students selected as many as 212 people with the cluster random sampling method. Data was collected through a questionnaire using a Likert scale. Testing of learning style variables using Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and seeing the validity of the indicators of each variable using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Testing of latent hypotension between variables was carried out using SEM. The results showed that outer loading, Cronbach alpha, composite reliability, AVE were valid and reliable. This means that the instrument used is valid and reliable. There is a positive relationship between structural predictor models; learning style affects the learning outcomes of entrepreneurship and career development. There is a mediating influence of entrepreneurial learning outcomes on the relationship between learning styles and career development. To achieve optimal entrepreneurship learning outcomes and career development, it is necessary to apply the right learning style. Keywords: Learning Style, Entrepreneurship Learning Outcomes, Equation Model Analysis

Perception of professional skills acquired in online learning among electronic engineering students

<span lang="EN-US">The article aims to analyze the perception of professional skills acquired in online learning among electronic engineering students. The research method is qualitative, with a descriptive approach, since it focuses on analyzing the statistics of the students' perception (frequency of satisfaction levels). Initially, the reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach's Alpha, obtaining a consistency coefficient of 0.967 and 0.932, in the academic semesters 2020-I and 2020-II, respectively. The data collected by means of a virtual questionnaire were processed in the SPSS software transformed into the Likert scale. The results obtained show a high perception among electronic engineering students in reference to the professional skills they have acquired. There is an increase in satisfaction from 66.78% (2020-I) to 74.26% (2020-II) between the first and second academic semester, despite the abrupt and unexpected change in the teaching-learning modality, in the second semester achieved a greater adaptation of this process. However, the online learning method should continue to be improved so that students perceive with greater satisfaction that they possess the skills to solve problems and cases related to the specialty) and the skills to master practical professional skills.</span>

Female Engineering Students’ Motivations, Career Decisions, and Decision-Making Processes: A Social Cognitive Career and Motivation Theory

Although women’s rights and career developments have changed over the past decade, only a few updated studies have been conducted to understand the current backgrounds of women in engineering. This study aims to understand and investigate the motivations, career decisions, and decision-making processes of a group of women in the engineering industry, specifically, a group of electrical and electronic engineering students in Taiwan. Based on social cognitive career and motivation theory, the study was guided by two research questions: 1) Why do Taiwanese female electrical and electronic engineering students decide to study this major at university level? 2) Do the participants intend to join the electrical and electronic engineering industry after graduation? Why or why not? The general inductive approach research design with interview, focus group, and member checking interview were used. The results indicated that academic interests, interests in career development, and job security concerns played significant roles in the motivations, career decisions, and decision-making processes of a group of female engineering students in Taiwan. The results of this study filled the gaps in gender discrimination, social stigma, and stereotype toward women in engineering, particularly in Taiwan.

Engaging Electronic Engineering Students in Realistic Engineering Problems: Calculations on the Feasibility and Implementation of Optical Communication Links

The article describes a task on the feasibility and possible options regarding the implementation of actual optical communication links. The task regards three (3) fiber-optic links with different transmission lengths and bit-rates and the students have to decide on the feasibility and implementation options for those links. The task is formulated in a problem-solving manner (in the sense that it refers to actual situations, more than one options may be considered feasible while some solutions may lead to revisiting initial calculations on the basis of new data). The basic aim of the task is the students to work on issues that most probably will encounter during their professional life and, at the same time, develop a conceptual understanding and a working knowledge on a broad range of essential concepts and notions regarding optical communication links.

Dealing with Mathematically Difficult Topics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Due to insufficient mathematical background, electrical and electronic engineering students may have difficulties in handling essential concepts and processes related to their field. For example, it has been observed that students find it difficult to comprehend topics such as Fourier analysis, noise, Maxwell equations and wave propagation etc. The article describes an attempt to approach such concepts in a two-step manner, first the topics are addressed in an introductory way (by means of particular, yet representative, examples and simple mathematics) and, when the students have got the necessary background and confidence, the topics are addressed in a more formal manner. As a case-study, the proposed approach has been applied to topics such as basic signal quantities, Fourier analysis, noise and chromatic dispersion in optical fibers.

Personal Emergency Alert Device Containing Real-Time Location

Purpose–The purpose of this study is to develop a Personal Emergency Alert Device Containing Real-time Location which can be used by anyone particularly women and children who need help especially in times of emergency. Method–Arduino Nano, Global Positioning System, and Global System for Mobile Communication were utilized as the main components of the device, which was evaluated in the aspect of appearance through its size, weight, product design, casing, and functionality through its accuracy in displaying information, text messaging capabilities, and location tracking. In order to optimize the product’s specifications, it underwent assessment and evaluation by experts in the field. The study used product development design. There were twenty (20) respondents in total, comprising of five (5) Electronics Engineer and fifteen (15) Electronics Engineering students who were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The responses were gathered from the students by handing out questionnaires, which were eventually tallied, tabulated, processed and treated using statistical treatment.Results–The structure of the device is excellent. The product also passed the evaluation of the expert respondents in terms of functionality since it is excellent in accessing the information, delivering the right information, and finding exact locations. The device is thus functional as it serves its purpose.Conclusion–The structure of the device is excellent. The product also passed the evaluation of the expert respondents in terms of functionality since it is excellent in accessing the information, delivering the right information, and finding exact locations. The device is thus functional as it serves its purpose.Recommendations–It is recommended that the product developers should reduce the device size. They should also ensure that the casing and design are attractive to make the device noticeable. Moreover, to further improve the functionality of the device, product developers should track the exactlocation instead of coordinates. They should also consider which cellular network works best for different places. Lastly, to augment the results and findings of this study, further research undertakings on this topic should be conducted.Research Implications–The users of this product can help summon assistance in case of emergency. Practical Implications–Anyone who is experiencing emergency cases will just press the button for them to be tracked and be saved.

Implementation of the Case Method in Learning Mathematics to Improve the Creative Thinking Ability of Electronics Engineering Students

Learning in class found that lecturers did not give students the opportunity to think creatively in solving math problems. Learning is still centered on the teacher so that communication is still one-way resulting in teacher dominance. The research objective resulted in the implementation of the case method in mathematics learning to improve the creative thinking skills of D4 Electronics Engineering students in solving mathematical problems. This type of research is experimental by using data collection documentation, questionnaires, observations and tests. The research was conducted in class 1B in the even semester of the 2022/2023 academic year with a total of 24 students discussing the Linear Equation System material. Data analysis used normality test, homogeneity test, completeness test, comparative test, and n-gain test. The results showed that the results of the validation of the research instrument were 4.11 in the good category. Individual completeness tests meet the minimum completeness criteria, students' creative thinking skills in case method group are higher (81.56) than expository learning (70.05). N-gain score for creative thinking test of 0.363 which is in the medium category. Keywords: case method, system of linear equations, creative thinking ability. Abstrak: Pembelajaran di kelas ditemukan bahwa dosen kurang memberikan kesempatan kepada mahasiswa untuk berfikir kreatif dalam memecahkan soal matematika. Pembelajaran masih berpusat pada pengajar (Teacher Center) sehingga komunikasi masih satu arah mengakibatkan dominasi pengajar. Tujuan penelitian menghasilkan implementasi metode kasus dalam pembelajaran matematika untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berfikir kreatif mahasiswa D4 Teknik Elektronika dalam memecahkan masalah matematika. Jenis penelitian eksperimen dengan menggunakan pengumpulan data dokumentasi, angket, observasi dan tes. Penelitian dilakukan di kelas 1B semester genap Tahun Akademik 2022/2023 sejumlah 24 mahasiswa bahasan materi Sistem Persamaan Linear. Analisis data menggunakan Uji Normalitas, Homogenitas, Uji Ketuntasan, Uji Banding, dan Uji N Gain. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hasil validasi perangkat instrument penelitian skor 4,11 dengan kategori baik. Uji ketuntasan Individu sudah memenuhi kriteria ketuntasan minimal (66), kemampuan berfikir kreatif mahasiswa pada metode kasus dalam pembelajaran matematika (81,56) lebih tinggi dari pembelajaran ekspositori (70,05), adanya peningkatan kemampuan berfikir kreatif mahasiswa dengan dilakukan uji N-Gain sebesar 0,363 dengan kategori sedang. Kata kunci: metode kasus, sistem persamaan linear, kemampuan berfikir kreatif. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23960/jpmipa/v23i4.pp1423-1434

Analysis of needs for the development of trainer sensor and transducer learning media based on Internet of Things (IoT)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the needs of students and teachers in developing a learning media in the form of a trainer to support the sensor and transducer practicum process during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This type of research is quantitative research with descriptive statistical analysis techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed online to 75 respondents, including productive electronic engineering and electrical engineering teachers at SMK Negeri 2 and SMK Negeri 10 Makassar and their students. In addition, there were also respondents from electronic engineering students at the two schools. This study indicates that facilities and infrastructure in schools are in the high category with a percentage of 64%. Learning conditions during the Covid-19 Pandemic based on data from respondents are in the medium category with a percentage of 67%. The level of need for IoT-based sensor trainer learning media to support distance learning at SMK Negeri 2 Makassar and SMK Negeri 10 Makassar is in the high category with a percentage of 72%. Based on this value, it can be concluded that practicum facilities are needed in the form of IoT-based sensors and transducer trainers that can be used as alternative learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic. It is hoped that the teachers can adjust learning tools according to pandemic conditions so that the implementation of the learning process can run smoothly.