Development of automated testing kit for assessing psychomotor skills acquired by performing thinking aloud-technique

Earlier studies indicate that proficiency in engineering, also referred to academically as 'psychomotor skill,' can be evaluated by contrasting the expertise of individuals within the field. The current evaluation methods, utilizing reports and written tests, primarily gauge students' accomplishments in the cognitive domain, falling short in assessing their proficiency in the psychomotor domain. The newer assessment method is needed to assess the elusive component of laboratory experiences in engineering technology laboratory experiment. This study aims to devise a method for quantifying psychomotor skills specifically within the context of engineering technology laboratory experiments. The measuring instrument, an Automated Engineers Testing Kit consists of a several LCD displays containing a thinking-aloud suggestion display and a few buttons for selection purpose. A Circuit Box with partially completed circuit and a basic tool to create an electric circuit was used during the research experiment as a part of the research plan. The instrument has been designed with two power supply options (adapter and battery mode) and the collected data is stored in the memory card to make it more mobile. The experimental research was based on an experiment using the quasi-experimental design technique that is "Non-equivalent control group design" is used to gather data from both the treatment and control groups. A number of 60 students for treatment group and 60 students for control group were recruited to diagnose the incomplete circuit and construct the circuit with necessary connections. This experiment research has shown that there is a statistically significant difference in psychomotor skill using thinking- aloud technique of treatment group measured before (pre-test mean = 60.45) and after (post-test mean = 89.31) exposure to laboratory experiment experience, and between the control group. The findings of this study reveal correlations between psychomotor skill levels and the proficiency in constructing circuits. The successful development and deployment of an 'Automated Engineers Testing Kit' present a promising avenue for emphasizing practical learning outcomes assessment in engineering laboratory experiments.