Assessing the Impact of Sequencing Practicums for Welding in Agricultural Mechanics

Abstract

This study examined the impact of sequencing practicums for welding on students’ ability to perform a 1F (flat position-fillet lap joint) weld on low-carbon steel. Participants were randomly assigned a specific practice sequence of welding for using gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). A total of 71 participants (70.3%, N = 104) completed the research project. The majority of participants (95.8%, f = 69) were male. There was no significant difference between treatment groups on the written pretest (F = .847(3), p = .473) or posttest scores (F = .669(3), p = .574). Few students (15%, f = 11) met the performance standards for passing the cracks criterion using SMAW. The majority of students were able to meet the undercut criterion standard using both GMAW and SMAW. The mean weld performance test score among all treatment groups for GMAW was three out of four (SD = 1.04), while the mean weld performance test score for all SMAW treatment groups was two out of four (SD = 1.36). There were no significant differences between treatment groups and weld test performance. This project provided baseline data in understanding sequencing welding laboratory practicums by limiting operator-controlled variables.