The Study of Learning Achievement and Problem-Solving Ability from a Simulated Laboratory Using Xilinx Foundation Software and CPLD Device on Frequency Counter
Abstract:
This study involved an evaluation of learning achievement and problem solving ability of alaboratory Instruction performed on a frequency counting circuit. Various electrical phenomena ofa frequency counting circuit were simulated by a Xilinx Foundation program incorporated withCPLD technique for experimenting purposes. The researcher believes that the learning of digitalwork from this simulated nature would increase the knowledge and the problem solving ability ofthe learners. The tools used in this research study consist of simulation laboratory sheet and a set of tests measuring learning achievement and problem solving abilities.Four topics of frequency counting circuits were developed in a form of experimental sheets for thisstudy. They were : (1) the transcoding of BCD into 7 segment signal, (2) the construction of signalcontrol of the frequency counting circuit, (3) the construction of time-base signals, and (4) therepresentation of multiplex results. All lab sheet contained three experiment works. The first twowere in the form of conventional experimentation and the last one was in the form of problemsolving activities. All data sheet were validated by five experts for their content and objectives validity. All sheet were approved with good passing assessment criteria of 4 5. Seventy question with four multiple choices were developed for the test. They were also received experts approval in their content and objective agreement with the range of 0.8 1. The index of difficulty was 0.49, the average discrimination power was 0.35 and the reliability of this test (K.R 20) was 0.82The sample group consisted of 20 first year students majoring in electronic computer atRajamangala Institute of Technology (Khonkaen campus) were randomly selected for this research.Prior to the study, the students were taught how to use the Xilinx Foundation Program and CPLDtechniques. They were then tested on their fundamental knowledge. While students performingexperiment works using the developed data sheets, their behaviors were monitored using the FieldNote Form. The measurement of learning achievement and problem solving abilities were finallyperformed. The results of this study showed, in general , that the learning achievement and the problem solving ability of the learners increased with the statistical significance of 0.01, the level which agreed with the hypothesis of this research study. When the results were analyzed into different levels of thinking ability, knowledge, comprehension and application, and analyzed into good and weaklevels, the learning outcome became much higher with the statistical significance of 0.01 for bothcase. In addition, the results from the behaviors of the learner showed that after using the first data sheet, the learners could apply their experiences toward the next data sheets.