Reviewing simulation-based learning at Temasek Polytechnic through an evaluation framework

Abstract

When Temasek Polytechnic‘s School of Engineering embarked on a research project to investigate the effects of Simulation-based learning on second year Mechatronics students, multiple qualitative and quantitative studies were carried out simultaneously. The intervention was an infusion of a suite of five Simulation-based learning (SBL) modules into the curriculum for three of five Machining Technology classes in the October 2008 semester. The individual studies highlighted the positive effects of this intervention. A model for SBL was even developed based on the results and findings of the multiple studies. This paper uses the Kirkpatrick Learning Evaluation Model as a framework to review the effectiveness of SBL for Machining Technology. Only three of the four levels of learning, namely response (Level 1), learning (Level 2) and behavior (Level 3) are involved. The results and findings of the various studies will be clustered and compared according to these levels to derive a more consolidated understanding of the effectiveness of SBL.