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Attitude of engineering students towards engineering drawing: A case study

Article  in  International Journal of Research Studies in Education · February 2016

DOI: 10.5861/ijrse.2016.1401

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 International Journal of Research Studies in Education
201X XX, Volume X Number X, 1-14

Attitude of engineering students towards engineering

drawing: A case study

Azodo, Adinife Patrick

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria ([email protected])

ISSN: 2243-7703
Received: 21 December 2015 Revised: 26 February 2016 Accepted: 9 March 2016 Online ISSN: 2243-7711
Available Online: 26 March 2016 DOI: 10.5861/ijrse.2016.1401
OPEN ACCESS

Abstract

The effects of attitude as it relates to engineering students’ learning in engineering drawing

was looked into in this study. All the engineering students from the four engineering
departments of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria were considered as the
study population. However the participants were a total of 152 engineering students. The
research instrument was a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was
structured using close-ended Likert 5-point attitude scale format for it’s relatively easy to
design, high degree of reliability and validity in using Likert technique. The data obtained was
analysed using frequency, percentage, mean score and standard deviation techniques on
Standard Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 16.0, software. The analysed data showed that
the students have positive attitude to engineering drawing as a subject and teaching
methodology. They were unsure about classroom environment and background information
but obviously negative about the instructional and educational items.

Keywords: engineering; drawing; students; attitude; learning

© The Author(s) / Attribution CC BY

Azodo, A. P.

Attitude of engineering students towards engineering drawing: A case study

1. Introduction

Engineering drawing is one of the fundamental skills needed by all engineers to be creative and productive
in engineering profession. It offers a wide range of advantages such as effective and efficient communication
among all professionals involved in design and production process, reduces lot of time, resources, labour and
manufacturing errors, simplify design and production process of complex structures and help to check design
defects (Kosse, 2005; Rio et al., 2006; Narayana et al., 2006; Kabouridis, 2010; Igbinomwanhia & Aliu, 2013).
Errors made in an attempt to interpret engineering documentation could pose some exigent catastrophe to the
whole essence of design and production processes (Kosse, 2005). Kosse and Senadeera (2011) reported a case
where misinterpreted information due to lack of engineering drawing knowledge hampered a fault resolving
process. Salau (1996) maintained that to avoid misinterpretation of working drawing, all the design and
production/construction specifications should be properly detailed, in terms of quality and quantity, as inexplicit
working drawings can lead to collapse or failure. The basics of engineering drawing are taught using a variety of
approaches; computer assisted teaching methods as well as traditional manual drawings (Radcliffe, 1998;
Reffold, 1998; Kosse & Senadeera 2011; Rio et al., 2006; McLaren, 2007). Nonetheless the focus of this study is
on the traditional manual drawing approach which is usually the first and basic step into design and drafting
learning process as it were in relation to this study population.

All students in engineering discipline are taught engineering drawing. This helps develop their spatial ability,
design competence and expertise needed for problem solving prevalent in engineering profession (Caldwell et al.,
2012; Alias et al., 2002; Alias et al., 2003; Roorda, 1994; Olkun, 2003; Akasah & Alias, 2010; Nagy-Kondor &
Sörös, 2012; Field, 2004; Osborn & Agogino, 1992). Igbinomwanhia and Aliu (2013) showed that there is
drastic decline in performance level of Nigerian engineering students in engineering drawing. Predominant
challenges engineering students encounter in engineering drawing are difficulties to see an image in 3-dimension,
understanding of projection view methodology, producing drawings of professional quality, and reading and
interpreting engineering drawings (Kosse, 2005; Akasah & Alias, 2010; Rio et al., 2006; Jayasree, 2003). Varied
factors that lead to the challenges students encounter in engineering drawing found in literatures includes
teaching approach, instructional and educational items, acquisition of the fundamental knowledge of the subject
in secondary education, the learning atmosphere and time allocated for the subject (Olkun, 2003; Alias et al.,
2002; Igbinomwanhia & Aliu, 2013; Diraso 2013).

1.1 Attitude factors in learning

One of the most important elements in the learning environment necessary for understanding and improving
the educational processes is attitude. Attitude means the predominating tendency of an individual to respond to
an object, individual or group of persons, institutions or events with or without prejudice (Barros & Marcos,
1998). Attitude describes exactly the visible postures, observable nature and human beliefs. This predisposes what
a person will see, listen to, think and do. This means that/individual’s attitudes is not automatic routine conduct but
is rooted in one’s experience. Attitudes of an individual can either be positive or negative (Barros & Marcos,
1998). When attitude is positive, it is a value to a learner but when it is negative it is bigotry to a learner and the
subject learnt (Barros & Marcos, 1998). However, positive and negative attitude have strong immeasurable effect
on the outcome of a learning process (Mordi, 1991 as cited in Azodo, 2014). Negative attitude has the tendency
to build a kind of repulsion in a learner to instruction Haimowitz (as cited in Mbugua et al., 2012) which affect
knowledge acquisition and prowess in a particular area of study. Without positive or explicit attitudes and
perceptions, learners have little or no learning proficiently chances (Marzano, 1992). Researchers have shown
that attitude plays a very vital role in learning processes (as cited in Azodo, 2014). The learning ability of an
individual can be increased by improving such individual’s attitude (Depaolo & Mclaren, 2006) as attitude could

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 Attitude of engineering students towards engineering drawing: A case study
make or mar the outcome of students learning process (Azodo, 2014).

According to Goodykoontz (2008) student attitudes are mostly affected by four external factors: the teacher,
teaching style, classroom environment, assessments and achievement, and one internal factor, individual
perceptions and characteristics. Other factors that affect outcome of students learning process and attitudes
include student's ability and previous knowledge, workload (time spent), teaching content, teaching strategy, etc
(Poon, 2007). Increase of the time spent or allotted on a particular study does not imply apparent heavy workload.
Poon (2007) observed that the approach a learner imbibes in addition to sufficient working time is an effective
advance for effective learning (Poon, 2007). Actual workload though difficult to measure with any precision, it
usually defines the sum of class contact hours and the time used to understand the course content and to
complete assignments (Kember & Leung, 1998). Poon (2007) observed that there is correlation between the time
spent and the learning attitudes in students. Another external factor, environment was found to have positive
correlation with attitude in learning process (Maat & Zakaria, 2010). Maat and Zakaria (2010) found that learning
environment and teacher's factor are two factors that need the institutions' consideration in producing positive
attitude in students.

Positive attitude held towards learning activities facilitate the achievement of the desired learning outcomes
(Popham, 2005; Royster et al., 1999; Hannula, 2002; Tapia & Marsh, 2001; Young, 1998; Lopez et al., 1997;
Midgley et al., 1989; Simpson, 1978). Attitude of an individual is either explicit or implicit. Most attitude
measurements either rely on direct attitudinal inquiries or infer from clues that are existing to determine tacit
attitudes (Al- Sa´d, 2007; Bohner & Wänke, 2002; Alias et al., 2002; Ajzen, 2002; Mohamed & Waheed, 2011).
Direct methods are usually employed in both applied and academic research (Bohner & Wänke, 2002). Attitude
influences ones knowledge, view and development (Goodykoontz, 2008). Students expressing a more positive
attitude towards a subject area would endeavor to behave consistently with their attitudes, by spending more time
and putting more effort in that area or by seeking additional learning opportunities (Lindquist, 1980). People’s
attitude can be affected by unintentional misinformation provided from negative sources of influence by
voluntary submission (Rohn, 2000). Some studies observed that information such as significance and
applicability, or lack thereof, of a subject in the lives and future careers of the students affect their attitudes
(Malmivuori, 2006; Elliott et al., 2001; Alias et al., 2002). The susceptible of an individual to character,
development, or behaviour influence periodically changes. However, each person determines his/her degree of
influence. Factors which influences our attitude positively and strongly includes word expression, affirmation,
self-image, personality, environment, association and physical appearance (Eromon, 2010).

Student attitudes seem to be primarily context-dependent (Donohue and Richard, 2009). The main factors
that affect how a particular instruction on a study is received are the scope and grade-importance of the
assignment; team size with respect to the amount of effort required; and team composition (Donohue & Richard,
2009). Berg (2005) observed that students’ perceived level of teacher’s empathy for their efforts at learning
affects students’ attitude either positively or negatively. This shows that teacher’s factor has change possibility in
educational setting which is beneficial to all students. There are a variety of teaching styles adopted in teaching
or passing on instruction to the students. De Souza Barros and Elia (1997) stated that there is a strong tie which
exists between teaching attitudes of teachers and their competencies in what they teach (De Souza Barros & Elia,
1997). Emphasis on some negative aspects, will point out the teachers factors which could influence students
attitude towards a subject learnt. Mere repetition of study material content or textbook reflects on how innovative
the teachers are in their teaching innovation and methodology. This stresses the need for evaluation and
re-evaluation of how to teach what to teach.

Different attitude measuring instruments adopted in researches was found cited in a literature as can be
categorised into five major groupings; inferences drawn from self-reports of beliefs, feelings, behaviour,
observation of obvious behaviour toward the object, individual’s reactions to, or interpretations of, partially
structured material pertinent to the subject matter; individual achievement on objective tasks basically influenced
by disposition to the object and physiological reactions toward the subject matter (Summers, 1977). This study

International Journal of Research Studies in Education 3

Azodo, A. P.
intends to adopt self-reports of beliefs, feelings, behavior, and many others, and individual’s reactions to, or
interpretations of, partially structured material pertinent to the subject matter to find out the effects of attitude as
it relates to engineering students’ learning in engineering drawing.

1.2 Significance of the study

Many technical oriented professions such as engineering, architecture, computer modeling, and many others
interconnect and interrelate in the discharge of their duty. The instrumentality of the proficiency and competence
knowledge of engineering drawing plays an integral role in the communication process among these professions.
Engineers prepare models, drawings, diagrams and blueprints of various products or structures to guide product
makers, construction officers, development personnels, architects in the manufacture, fabrication, construction,
implementation and building processes who may or may not be in the same vicinity. This they do by providing
the vital link between design and practical application through translating critical design concepts into workable
plans for tangible, buildable, constructible and architectural products. Putting up a good design adds value to
both the public and the private sectors. However, bad, wrong or poor design often characterized by illegibility,
non-uniformity, lack of continuity, inexplicit working drawings, and many others and preceded by construction
or execution which follows the same trend when completed, the cost of correction is very expensive as such
structures or construct has to be brought down and re-constructed from the scratch in most cases (Simmons,
2006).

1.3 Rationale of the study

The decline in the performance of Nigerian engineering students in engineering drawing is far-reaching
(Igbinomwanhia & Aliu, 2013). Varied factors that lead to the challenges students encounter in engineering
drawing which manifest itself in the students inability to see an image in 3-dimension, understanding of
projection view methodology, producing drawings of professional quality, and reading and interpreting
engineering drawings (Kosse, 2005; Akasah & Alias, 2010; Rio et al., 2006; Jayasree, 2003) needed to be
addressed. It has been found that in understanding and improving the educational processes in the learning
environment, attitude is one of the basic and most important elements that must be considered.

Learning attitude is an essential factor in determining effectiveness of learning process (Poon, 2007). If
learners’ attitude can be identified and addressed, knowledge and understanding for application which is whole
essence of teaching-learning of engineering drawing will be achieved. For an engineering graduate or engineer to
feature in all stages of design process and function optimally from conception to presentation of finished plans or
product require good and proficient knowledge of engineering drawing. It is therefore necessary that the training
process should be tenaciously upheld with optimum importance so as to acquit oneself with such knowledge.

1.4 Implication and application of engineering drawing for teaching and learning process in engineering
professions

Word language cannot explicitly and concisely describe the size, shape and features of drawings as
engineering drawings are not mere illustration but drawings conveying specification or critical information on
object geometry, dimensions, allowable variations in dimension of a part or an assembly and specifics for item
surface quality (Beňa, 2008). In addition, these features are presented with accuracy and clarity. The technical
nature of engineering drawing enables full and clear definition of requirements for engineered product usually
created in accordance with standardized conventions for its nomenclature, layout, size, appearance, interpretation,
etc. In application, this conveys specifically all the information required by a manufacturer to produce an item or
component as supposed (Beňa, 2008).

Knowledge of engineering drawing/drafting makes engineers skilled at making and interpreting formal
engineering drawings. These drawings are representations of design process end products which were at the

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 Attitude of engineering students towards engineering drawing: A case study
commencement intended to be achieved at the completion of the design process. The application of engineering
drawing knowledge at the design process stage enables engineers to take their chosen concept and conform it to
reality. The same is communicated to other concerned designers and manufacturing personnel. Drawing
proficiency and competence is a necessity during all the developmental stages of design process (Ullman et al.,
1990). The implementation of designs usually occurs after a model or prototype of a design is created from
engineering drawings. It is at this stage that errors are noted and corrected for suitable procedure thereby saving
the danger of inconveniences and cost (Khandani, 2005).

Image representation and projections in engineering graphics are basically on 2D and 3D views. 2D and 3D
imaging are used as a preliminary tool for inspection, geometrical evaluation of structural elements, mapping of
typical defects and inclusions frequently found in structures. These enhance appropriate restoration and
retrofitting of the projects and maintenance programmes on structures involved (Topczewski et al., 2007). A
circuit diagram which shows the components of the circuit as simplified standard symbols, the power and signal
connections between the devices are done by proficient knowledge application of engineering drawing (Beňa,
2008). Typical example of the application of engineering drawing is the printed circuit board (PCB) which is
usually drafted before the PCB development process for arrangement and fixing of various components (Beňa,
2008).

Bad drawing or drafting presents unjustifiable risk and danger if adopted in design and development process
of products and structures. Such dangers include inconveniences to users, cost and financial risks. Examples
cited in Simmons (2006) showed that badly designed housing estate at Holly street in Dalston East London in
1970s was demolished and rebuilt from scratch after one-third duration of its intended design life costing £92
million for the correction. Another case was the George’s park in Lozells, Birmingham also in the 1970s which
cost £1.2 million for its redevelopment. Every construction or development process can actually be ideal or
near perfect if proper drafting and design process is put in place (Simmons, 2006).

2. Materials and method

2.1 Participants

All the engineering students from the four engineering departments of Federal University of Agriculture
Abeokuta, Nigeria were considered as the study population. However the participants were a total of 152
engineering students.

2.2 Research process

The survey was carried out in the College of Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The
data collection took place in June 2012 during the academic session in the aforementioned school. The
questionnaire used in this study was pre-tested. The questionnaire was administered to the students of the various
department and collected the same day. This was to ensure personal response to the survey questions. However
the participants were given enough time for accurate response to the questionnaire. A total of 152 questionnaires
duly completed were considered 100% sample for the study. Participation in this research was voluntary and no
incentive was offered. Informed consent was obtained from participants after being informed about anonymous
nature and objective of the study.

2.3 Research instrument

The research design considered appropriate for this study was a cross-sectional study sample survey using
questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed in line with the objectives of the study after due consultation
various research studies on attitude influence on learning. Several attitude scales adopted in different research in
academic learning were reviewed and revised for utilization in this study. A 44-item questionnaire developed in

International Journal of Research Studies in Education 5

Azodo, A. P.
the light of these literatures was structured to collect demographic information such as gender, year(s) of study,
department as well as other attitude measurement factors. Attitude factors were categorised into five subscales as
students views towards teachers and teaching approach in engineering drawing, instructional and educational
items, background information of the subject, the classroom atmosphere and attitude of students’ as regards
engineering drawing as a subject. The research instrument was a combination of items from attitude assessment
studies in different areas of research with some particulate input developed by the researcher to conform to this
study. These were determined using close-ended questions on Likert 5-point scale. The relative easy in designing
as well as significant high degree of reliability and validity in using Likert technique in attitude measurement
method prompted the selection Likert five-point scale attitude measurement (Thomas, 1978). The five-point
scale enable a participant to express his/her level of agreement or disagreement to the questions assessing
attitude towards engineering drawing.

2.4 Data analysis

In general people’s attitudes are either positive or negative. But then there are cases where people’s view
towards an object can conflict or ambivalent. This is often termed neutral or unsure. In this view appropriate
attitude scaling point was assigned to each of the items on the attitude scale responded to on a five point scale.
The positively arranged questions where scored thus strongly agree = 5, agree = 4, undecided = 3, disagree = 2
and strongly disagree = 1. The negatively structured questions were scored thus strongly agree = 1, agree = 2,
undecided = 3, disagree = 4, and strongly disagree = 5. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics
of frequency counts, percentage, mean score and standard deviation techniques by employing Standard Package
for Social Scientists (SPSS) 16.0. The mean score value of each item obtained from the result are interpreted as;
2.5 and below = negative, 2.6-3.4 =Neutral, 3.5 and above = positive. The level of significance was set at
p<0.05.

2.5 Reliability and validity

With the help of professionals and research experts in engineering education the content was evaluated and
analysed for suitability. The research instrument developed was tested using a handful of selected sample in the
study population. This was helped to ascertain ease of interpretation of the research instrument. The subjects
were timed while left to fill the questionnaire at their own pace. They were expected to report or ask questions on
any unclear item on the questionnaire for clarity. Modifications were made so as to achieve clarity and simplicity
of the final copy of the questionnaire appropriate for the study.

3. Results and discussion

3.1 Demographic characteristics of participants

The demographic characteristics of the students who participated in the survey showed that, 25 students
were in Civil, 42 in Mechanical, 47 in Electrical and 38 in Agricultural engineering departments. Of the students,
46 (30.3%) were 2nd-year students, 56 (36.8%) 3rd-year students, 22 (14.5%) 4th-year students and 28 (18.5%)
5th-year students. The gender distribution showed that about nine-tenth (n = 135) of the respondents were males
while the remaining one-tenth (n=17) were females.

3.2 Students’ views of their teachers and teaching approach in engineering drawing

Compatibility attribute of a learner and the teaching style used by the teacher as well as the student’s ability
and preparedness for studies plays vital roles in determining the outcome of a learning process (Felder and Brent,
2005). Teachers in discharging their duties adopt different teaching approaches to impart the student. Some of
the teaching methods found in literature include lecture, demonstration, principles and applications, memory and
understanding (Felder & Brent, 2005). Whatever the teaching the method is, when the students have not learnt,

6 Consortia Academia Publishing

 Attitude of engineering students towards engineering drawing: A case study
the teachers have not taught. Teaching is not all about what has been covered but what the learner is able to
demonstrate with little or no assistance (Junaid, 2008). The willingness of a teacher to be concerned in a
student’s need and strength so as to support and encourage them enhances the learner’s zeal. Yara (2009)
revealed that attitude of students can be influenced by the teacher’s attitude and his/her method of teaching. This
in turn affects the quality of education (Afolabi, 2009).

From the analysis of data result, the students are found to be negative about their teacher’s relationship in
the class. They see them as not being friendly, hence negative attitude (Table 1). In creating an effective learning
environment, the tutor should have thorough knowledge of their subjects. They should be interested in the
subjects that they teach, be able to show the need for the subjects, and consider the success of their students
important (Kenpro, 2010). Clay and Breslow (2006) observed that lectures’ quality and clarity is one of the
important factors in deciding whether the students will attend lectures. If the students do not expect to learn from
lectures they are less likely to attend (Clay & Breslow 2006). It was found from the result analysis that the
students are positive about their teachers having adequate teaching skills, not being innovative and demonstrative
in their teaching method. They are also positive to attending classes, prefer to learn from their teachers and feel
imparted at the end of the day’s study. This implies that the students are having clarity and quality lecture hence
positive attitude (Table 1). However, it was observed that they were neutral about having sufficient/enough
(qualitative and quantitative) practices of the drawing during the class periods and seeing the teaching of
engineering drawing as something abstract.

According to Shiyan (2009), for a strategy or plan approach adopted by a teacher in knowledge
dissemination to be effective, it must be ensured that the process is flexible so as to develop and broaden the
horizon of the students and capable of enhancing critical thinking among the learners. It should also
accommodate individual differences in the students. Moreover, the way teachers organize and use techniques of
subject matter, teaching tools and materials are all included in achieving the desirable objective. Barros and
Marcos (1998) stated that assuming identical trait for all students in a class and teaching them the same way
affects learning process negatively. The dexterity of a teacher to select proper teaching method for a particular
classroom situation will enable accomplishment of specific goals in the subject areas (Kennedy, 2011). Teaching
of engineering drawing is more of practical and demonstrative than theoretical.

Teaching engineering drawing without demonstration and students’ participation may affect the learning
process and as such breed negative attitude in them. The entire process and teaching procedures adopted by an
instructor to guide and prepare the students via an organized and planned learning activities is important in
attaining and accomplishing educational goals (Kennedy, 2011).

Table 1
Students’ views of their teachers and teaching approach in engineering drawing (N=152)
Variables Mean SD Remark
The teacher has adequate teaching skills 2.7960 0.8929 Positive
Students view of their teachers preparedness for lessons 2.5987 0.8357 Negative
The teachers are friendly in the class 2.3685 0.6762 Negative
Students opinion on quantitative drawing practices with the teacher 2.8290 0.6715 Neutral
in class
Students opinion on qualitative drawing practices with the teacher in 3.7062 0.5777 Positive
class
Students judgment of teachers innovation in teaching methodology 3.5855 0.7165 Positive
Engineering drawing seem abstract to me 2.8508 0.6158 Neutral
Good illustrative teaching pattern (draw as I draw) 2.4452 0.5971 Negative
Preference to learn from teacher 4.0460 0.5708 Positive
Attendance to all engineering drawing lectures 4.7258 0.3719 Positive
Feeling like someone imparted at the of each engineering drawing 3.8377 0.5524 Positive
class
Assignment for further studies and mastery at the end of each lesson 3.9255 0.6450 Positive

International Journal of Research Studies in Education 7

Azodo, A. P.

3.3 Impact of instructional and educational items teaching and learning facilities on students’ attitude

Demonstration models used in engineering drawing gives the learner the real-world picture of the task (Eley
& Norton 2004) so as to foster the students’ self-confidence and concentration on the specific details instead of
general concepts. Demonstration does not only improve learning concept but also improves the teachers teaching
strategy and saves time. In addition an engineering drawing teacher needs to be highly innovative in the
methodology so as to maintain the students zest and interest in the subject. Preparation of detailed engineering
drawings according to the required standards and specifications can only be made possible with the aid of
specific instruments and/or equipment. The first teaching methodology implemented and widely used in teaching
engineering drawing all over the nation (Nigeria) is traditional teaching method. Nwoke (1993) observed the
outcome of this effort as being insignificant as there is a wide gap between drawing and the design of the product
itself encountered in instructional approach used in presenting the information involved in traditional teaching
methods. He added that this has resulted in students’ spatial visualization challenges. From the analysis of data, it
was not clear to the students whether the instruction materials are available for teaching engineering drawing as
such they were further neutral to engagement of pattern/instructional model by their teacher (Table 2). However
they are certainly negative to having the entire instrument needed for engineering drawing and school assistance
in making some of the instruments available (Table 2). In general, the desired result of any learning process is
facilitated by positive attitudes held towards a lay down learning activities and materials (Simpson, 1978; Young,
1998).

Table 2
Impact of instructional and educational items on students’ attitude (N=152)
Variables Mean SD Remark
Availability of instructional material and usage by teacher in teaching 2.7373 0.74247 Neutral
Provision of drawing tools by the institution especially the expensive 2.1492 0.55946 Negative
ones
Personal provision of engineering tools 2.8728 0.44865 Neutral
Adequate personal engineering drawing tools 2.5110 0.50161 Negative
Demonstration tools such patterns and model in the teaching learning 3.3992 0.60769 Neutral
process

3.4 Students’ attitude towards information of the subject

The first step towards knowledge is to know that we are ignorant. Staying open to the clues involved in a
learning process leads one to mastery and expertise in practice. According to Rohn (2000), whatever information
an individual receive and submit to has influence on such person’s attitude. He also stated that people's attitude
can be affected by unintentional misinformation provided from negative sources of influence by voluntary
submission. Indirect experience in the form of information has been found to produce more cognitive reactions
than direct experience (Millar & Millar, 1996). Erstwhile negative attitude held towards a subject has the
tendency of making a learner closed-minded and biased to the knowledge involved in a learning process.
Likewise, the experience in secondary education influences students’ view of the subject at higher level
especially if their spatial ability has not sufficiently developed (Potter & Van der Merwe 2003; Potter et al.,
2006). The students had prior knowledge of the subject and involved practices from varied sources. Table 3
showed that colleagues and friends, and the introductory class are sources of information of the necessity of the
subject. However, they were neutral as per whether their experience is different from the pre knowledge about
the subject and difficulty of the subject (Table 3). The result agreed with Igbinomwanhia and Aliu (2013) who
observes that lack of technical drawing education at the secondary education level affects the students at the
higher institution. The result analysis also shows that the students are negative about the relevance of the subject
in engineering profession. Deep approach towards learning in students can be stirred through arousing the

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 Attitude of engineering students towards engineering drawing: A case study
learners’ interest in a subject and background information of the subject as inadequate background knowledge
and lack of interest discourage students’ deep approach towards learning (Felder & Brent 2005).

Table 3
Students’ attitude towards information of the subject (N=152)
Variables Mean SD Remark
Pre-knowledge of what the engineering drawing entails from colleagues 3.7280 0.76977 Positive
and friends
The pre-knowledge was that the engineering drawing is difficult 2.9277 0.92784 Neutral
Experience encountered is different from pre-knowledge 2.9715 0.62949 Neutral
Student presence at the introductory lecture of engineering drawing 3.8268 0.76200 Positive
Knowledge of technical drawing in secondary education 2.5987 0.49812 Negative
Knowledge of the relevance of engineering drawing in engineering 1.7873 0.34721 Negative
profession

3.5 Students’ attitude towards the classroom atmosphere

The accomplishment of a teaching-learning process is greatly affected by the environment where the
students study. The number of students in a given class plays a vital role in determining the amount of attention
given to each student by the teacher (Sabellah, 2010). Increased average size of a class reportedly deteriorates
learning outcomes. From the analysed result, it was found that the students are neutral concerning engineering
drawing auditorium crowdedness during each class periods and teacher-student proportion (number of students
in a class being too much for one teacher to manage) (Table 4). There were also negative outcome due to the lack
of conducive auditorium for engineering drawing classes and having enough seats for everyone member of the
class per class period, though they are neutral to going to class earlier to secure seat (Table 4). The learning
environment is enhanced by creating a safe and orderly environment in the classroom (Shaeffer, 2006). Feeling
of crowdedness of a student concerning his/her class comes as a result of non-interaction or participation of the
student in the class. Well managed and organized classroom environment creates a very good and conducive
atmosphere effectual for learning and behavioural development of all students. In classrooms where the physical
space is not managed well, may greatly affects what can be accomplished during a lesson. Ellett et al. (1997)
observed that student’s personal perceptions of his/her learning environment significantly relates to their learning.
Institutions are clearly aware that teaching is very much influenced by the availability of equipment and the
convenience of premises.

Table 4
Students’ attitude towards the classroom atmosphere (N=152)
Variables Mean SD Remark
Teacher-student proportion 2.9057 0.5082 Neutral
Crowded classroom during engineering drawing classes 2.6425 0.6245 Neutral
Conducive atmosphere for engineering drawing learning 2.1162 0.5394 Negative
Sufficient seats for everyone member of the class per class period 1.9737 0.4804 Negative
Inconveniences due to compulsion to secure comfortable seat earlier 3.3882 0.8090 Neutral
for class

3.6 Attitude of Students’ as regards engineering drawing

Possible draw backs towards engineering were also assessed. The data analysed revealed that the students
are neutral about seeing drawing as something difficult to learn. On the questions “I hate drawing from day one,
I hate drawing from subsequent classes and I hate drawing due to poor or no demonstration have neutral
response the response was neutral” the data showed neutral response (Table 5). An attitude is one of the student
qualities that affect the process of imparting knowledge (Altınok, 2004). Student’s attitudes reveals his/her level

International Journal of Research Studies in Education 9

Azodo, A. P.
of learning toward a particular subject, thus, makes him enthusiastic to learn than those whose attitude are not
favourable towards the subject (Lupdag, 1989). Students’ positive attitude to learning is characterised by their
display of curiosity, adhesive to know more and positive emotional responses to learning (Sabellah, 2010). This
is often displayed in the activities both inside and outside the classroom that lead to success in their learning
(Sabellah, 2010). According Connell and Wellborn (1991), persistence, effort, attention, enthusiasm, positive
learning values, interest etc. are trait students exhibit when they have positive attitude towards a subject area.
The students gave positive response to practicing on their own to master the drawings. They were negative to
dislike of drawing because it takes time and the evaluation work being too much for just one topic, these shows
positive attitude. From the data analysis it was evident that the students are able to handle engineering drawings
challenges unguided after being taught the basics. As well as the fact that they are positive with the time spent
during drawing classes (Table 5). This implies that they are enthusiastic to learn and hence they display positive
attitude.

Table 5
Attitude of Students’ as regards engineering drawing (N=152)
Variables Mean SD Remark
Engineering is difficult to learn 3.2018 0.3552 Neutral
I hate engineering drawing from day one 3.3223 0.4950 Neutral
I hate engineering drawing from subsequent classes 3.3662 0.5693 Neutral
I hate engineering drawing due to poor demonstration 3.2785 0.5449 Neutral
Personal effort for improvement and mastery of engineering drawing 3.9693 0.5390 Positive
Able to handle or produce engineering drawings unguided after class 3.5965 0.6622 Positive
Comfortable with the time spent in engineering drawing classes 3.6952 0.7087 Positive
Engineering drawing is time consuming 2.4123 0.5957 Negative

4. Conclusions

The role engineering drawing knowledge plays in developing the thinking and problem solving skills among
engineering students cannot be overstated. Engineers solve engineering design problems using spatially related
problem-solving abilities developed in engineering drawing and related courses (Kabouridis, 2010). The study
reported effects of attitude as it relates to engineering students’ learning course in engineering drawing. Students
viewed their engineering drawing teachers as not friendly thereby creating a gap in relationship needed for
support and encouragement that will enhances the learner’s zeal. They also reported their teachers as having
adequate teaching skills and demonstrative in their teaching method. This was found to make them positive
about attending classes. It also promotes the preference to learn from their teachers and feel imparted at the end
of the day’s study. However, there were drawbacks in the students’ response to instructional and educational
items teaching and learning facilities. Unavailability of the needed instructional materials hampers and affects
the students’ attitude towards engineering drawing. The lack of knowledge of the importance of engineering
drawing is found lacking thereby presenting some shortcomings to the whole essence of studying Engineering
drawing. This challenge needs emphasis and the re-emphasizing of its importance in the engineering profession,
so as to stimulate students’ to interest towards the subject. Adopting draw as I draw teaching pattern and moving
around to clarify any challenges will not only increase their sense of belonging and affection for the class but
maintain orderliness, manage and organize the classroom. Attitude of engineering students towards the subject
itself is positive. Therefore for optimum result to be achieved in the learning process of engineering drawing all
the negative aspect factors need to be addressed and improved on.

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