Fostering Technical Proficiency through Innovation-Based Instruction: A Supplementary Approach to Competency-Based Curriculum in Electronics Technology
Dexter Louis Gialogo
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
This study explored the effectiveness of innovation-based instruction (IBI) as a supplementary approach to a competency-based curriculum (CBC) in enhancing the technical proficiency of electronics technology students in the Philippines. Recognizing the gap between academic training and the dynamic demands of the electronics industry, the research examined how integrating project-based learning, digital tools, and real-world applications could improve students’ technical skills, engagement, and career readiness. Using a descriptive-evaluative mixed-methods design, the study involved pre- and post-tests, focus group discussions, and interviews with 16 student respondents and several instructors. Quantitative results indicated a significant increase in students' technical competencies, with post-test scores rising to a “Highly Innovative” interpretation. Moreover, learner motivation and engagement improved substantially, reflecting increased involvement in practical activities and a stronger interest in real-world applications of electronics. The study also revealed that combining CBC and IBI methodologies aligned well with industry standards, boosting students’ preparedness for employment. However, challenges such as limited technological resources and the need for continuous teacher training were noted. The findings emphasize the value of modern, interactive instructional approaches in technical education and suggest that schools invest in up-to-date equipment, provide faculty development, and strengthen industry-academic partnerships to sustain improvements. The study concludes that innovation-based teaching significantly enhances vocational readiness and should be systematically incorporated into electronics education to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
References:
- Abu-Rub, H., Holtz, J., Rodriguez, J., & Baoming, G. (2010). Medium-voltage multilevel converters—State of the art, challenges, and requirements in industrial applications. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 57(8), 2581-2596.
- Açıkgöz, T., & Babadoğan, M. C. (2021). COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE. In Ankara University, Psycho-Educational Research Reviews (Vols. 10–10, Issue 3, pp. 67–69) [Journal-article]. https://doi.org/10.52963/PERR_Biruni_V10.N3.06
- Ahmid, S. S., Chun, T. C., & Abdullah, M. N. L. Y. (2023). The influence of innovative characteristics, work readiness, and vocational self-concept on employability of vocational college students. ECONSTOR. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from www.econstor.eu.
- Ahmadi, N., & Besançon, M. (2017). Creativity as a stepping stone towards developing other competencies in classrooms. Education Research International, 2017(1).
- Agarwal, N. (2018). A study of innovations in instructional strategies and designs for quality enrichment in higher education. Cosmos: An International Journal of Art and Higher Education.
- Al Khatib, A. A. A. J., & Shaban, M. S. (2023). Innovative Instruction of Law Teaching and Learning: Using Visual Art, Creative Methods, and Technology to Improve Learning. International Journal of Membrane Science and Technology, 10(2), 361-371.
- Al Rasyid, M., & Khoirunnisa, F. (2011). The effect of project-based learning on collaboration skills of high school students. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains (Jps), 9(1), 113-119.
- Ariza, J. Á., & Olatunde-Aiyedun, T. G. (2023). Bringing Project-Based Learning into Renewable and Sustainable Energy Education: A Case Study on the Development of the Electric Vehicle EOLO. Sustainability, 15(13), 10275.
- Asghar, M., Afzaal, M., Iqbal, J., & Sadia, H. (2022). Analyzing an appropriate blend of face-to-face, offline and online learning approaches for the in-service vocational teacher’s training program. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10668.
- ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK. (2021). Technical and vocational education and training in the Philippines in the age of industry 4.0. Asian Development Bank. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo/
- Azis, M., & Surono, S. (2024). Integration Model Of Occupational Certification Scheme Into Instructional Design To Close The Gap Of Learning Outcomes And Industry Needs. Journal Transnational Universal Studies, 3(6), 285-300.
- Balalle, H. (2024). Exploring student engagement in technology-based education in relation to gamification, online/distance learning, and other factors: A systematic literature review. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 9, 100870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100870
- Bates, A. W., & Sangra, A. (2011). Managing technology in higher education: Strategies for Transforming Teaching and Learning. John Wiley & Sons.
- Bauer, P., & Kolar, J. W. (2015). Teaching power electronics in the 21st century. European Power Electronics and Drives. Taylor & Francis Group.
- Budharani, K., D’Amico, M., & Espiritu, J. L. (2018). Developing a skilled workforce through technical and vocational education in the Philippines. ResearchGate. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from www.researchgate.net.
- Clayton, R., & Harris, R. (2021). The value of vocational education and training. The International Journal of Training Research.
- Calderon, J. (2021). The Impact of a Balanced Delivery Model on Graduate Outcomes: Integrating Blended Competency-Based Curriculum and Inquiry-Based Instruction. Journal of Educational Innovation and Practice, 12(3), 45-67.
- Celeste, R. J., & Osias, N. (2024). Challenges and Implementation of Technology Integration: Basis for enhanced instructional program. American Journal of Arts and Human Science, 3(2), 106–130. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajahs.v3i2.2656
- Chernikova, O., Heitzmann, N., Stadler, M., Holzberger, D., Seidel, T., & Fischer, F. (2020a). Simulation-Based Learning in Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis.
- Chukwuedo, S. O., & Omofonmwan, G. O. (2013). Information and communication technology: The pivot of teaching and learning of skills in electrical and electronics technology programme in Nigeria. International Journal of Vocational and Technical Education, 5(6), 117-123.
- Crisol Moya, E., & Caurcel Cara, M. J. (2021). Active methodologies in physical education: Perception and opinion of students on the pedagogical model used by their teachers. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(4), 1438.
- Department of Education (DepEd). (2022). Integrating inquiry-based instruction with competency-based curriculum: Policy directions and implementation strategies. Manila: DepEd Publications.
- Dikmen, C., & Demirer, V. (2022). The role of technological pedagogical content knowledge and social cognitive variables in teachers’ technology integration behaviors. Participatory Educational Research, 9(2), 398-415.
- Doherty-Restrepo, J. L., Perez, K., Creeden, M., Cram, B., & Charite, M. (2023). Closing the Gap Between Students' Career Readiness and Employers' Expectations: An Innovative Competency-Based Approach. International Journal of Innovative Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (IJITLHE), 4(1), 1-14.
- Dumaua-Cabauatan, M., et al. (2018). Education in the Philippines: The case of technical education and skills development authority online program. ECONSTOR. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from www.econstor.eu.
- Duprey, M. D., & Dunker, K. S. (2021). Megacode simulation training in undergraduate nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 42(3), 193-194.
- Duterte, J. P. (2024). Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments: Improving engagement and learning. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, VIII(X), 1305–1314. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2024.8100111
- Eremeeva, G. R., Martynova, E. V., & Zalyalova, E. F. (2020, May). Digitalization in education: case studies on the implementation of students’ developments in the educational process. In International Scientific Conference “Digitalization of Education: History, Trends and Prospects”(DETP 2020) (pp. 335-341). Atlantis Press.
- Febriyana, N., Indrawati, H., & Makhdalena, M. (2023). The influence of emotional intelligence, industrial work practices, soft skills, and self-efficacy on students work readiness. Journal of Educational Sciences, 7(3), 499-517.
- Forte-Celaya, J., Ibarra, L., & Morales, L. (2021). Analysis of creative thinking skills development under active learning strategies. Education Sciences, 11(10), 621.
- Guadalupe, J. T., T., Abaya, E. C., C., & Camposano, C. C., C. (2023). Enacting music Curriculum contextualization in the Philippine K to 12 curriculum: Negotiations, constraints, and mediating forces. In Philippine Journal of Education Studies, Philippine Journal of Education Studies (Vol. 1, Issue 1) [Journal-article].
- Hahn, C. J., & Gangeness, J. E. (2019). Business, Leadership And Education: A Case For More Business Engagement In Higher Education. American Journal of Business Education, 12(1), 19-31.
- Hmelo-Silver, C., et al. (2013). The International Handbook of Collaborative Learning. Taylor & Francis Group.
- Henderson, M., Selwyn, N., & Aston, R. (2015). What works and why? Student perceptions of ‘useful’ digital technology in university teaching and learning. Studies in Higher Education, 42(8), 1567–1579. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2015.1007946
- Hoq, M. Z. (2019). Blended Learning: A New Approach to Teaching and Learning. International Journal of Education and Learning, 1(2), 45-56.
- Ikwumelu, S. N., Oyibe, O. A., Oketa, E. C., & Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Ebonyi State University, P. M. B. 053, Abakaliki Nigeria. (2015). Adaptive teaching: an invaluable pedagogic practice in social studies education. In Journal of Education and Practice: Vol. Vol.6 (Issue No.33, pp. 140–141). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1083517.pdf
- Ismail, S. N., Don, Y., Husin, F., & Khalid, R. (2018). Instructional Leadership and Teachers' Functional Competency across the 21st Century Learning. International Journal of Instruction, 11(3), 135-152.
- Jiang, H., Yang, Y., & Song, G. (2016). A theory of creative expressiveness: Empirical studies in Chinese universities. Chinese Management Studies, 10(2), 387-404.
- Kanyonga, L., Mtana, N., & Wendt, H. (2019). Implementation of competency-based curriculum in technical colleges: The case of Arusha City, Tanzania.
- Khoerunnisa, I., Wahyudin, D., Handayani, S., & Ana, A. (2020). Should vocational schools be strategically located with relevant industries to reduce graduates’ competency gaps? Atlantis Press. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from www.atlantis-press.com.
- Kiong, J. F. (2023). The Impact of technology on Education: A case study of schools. Journal of Education Review Provision, 2(2), 43–47. https://doi.org/10.55885/jerp.v2i2.153
- Kurniawati, F. N., Susanto, S., & Munir, A. (2019). PROMOTING STUDENTS’COLLABORATION SKILL THROUGH PROJECT BASED LEARNING OF ENGLISH WRITING. ANGLO-SAXON: Jurnal Ilmiah Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, 10(1), 29.
- Liao, Y., Zhang, Y., & Huang, R. (2023). Institutional support and teacher preparedness in blended learning environments: A systematic review. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 26(1), 45-60.
- Lin, M., Chen, H., & Liu, K. (2017). A study of the effects of digital learning on learning motivation and learning outcome. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 13(7), 3553–3564. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00744a
- Masoud, M. (2023). Road map of power electronics knowledge and skills for enhancing engineering graduates' employability.
- Mayorga, L. K. (2019). HEIs and workforce development: Helping undergraduates acquire career-readiness attributes. Industry and Higher Education, 33(6), 370-380.
- Miller, J. (2021). The impact of competency-based education on technical skills and creative thinking in graduates. Journal of Educational Research, 114(2), 123-135.
- Mudannayake, M. A. D. A. L., & Weerasinghe, T. A. (2017). ICT for psychosocial competence development among adolescents. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Global Education and E–Learning (Vol. 1, pp. 9-18).
- Mulder, M. (2016). Competence-based vocational and professional education. In Technical and vocational education and training. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41713-4
- Mustikawanto, A., Abdullah, A. G., & Hasan, B. (2019, December). Effect of competency, work motivation, industrial work experience and facilities on the readiness of work for senior high school graduates in electro expertise programs. In International Conference on Education, Science and Technology (pp. 433-437). Redwhite Press.
- Naomi, C., Kaptingei, S., & Rotumoi, J. (2023). Influence of teachers’ preparedness on implementation of competency-based curriculum (CBC) in public primary schools in Bomet East Sub-county, Kenya. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 7(1).
- Nassiuma, B. K., Mauyo, L. W., & Beru, M. M. (2021). Codified knowledge, knowledge resources, design, application and implications on effectiveness in institutions of higher education in Kenya. African Journal of Business Management, 15(1), 49-58.
- Noviyanto, A. T., & Wijanarka, B. S. (2023). Influence of emotional intelligence, digital literacy, and student self-efficacy on job readiness of the mechanical engineering skills program at vocational schools in Yogyakarta City. IJSSHR. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from ijsshr.in.
- Nugroho, A., & Haghegh, M. (2021). Emergency remote teaching amidst global pandemic: Voices of Indonesian EFL teachers. Veles Voice of English Language Education Society, 5(1), 66-80.
- Ovbiagbonhia, A. R., Kollöffel, B., & Brok, P. D. (2023). Investigating the impact of innovation competence instruction in higher engineering education. European Journal of Engineering Education, 48(6), 1068-1101.
- Putri, Z. R., Nurwahidin, M., & Mayasari, S. (2023). Analysis of work readiness personality attributes students of class XI SMK Negeri 8 Bandar Lampung school year 2022/2023 after COVID-19 pandemic. JETISH. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from jetish.com.
- Qoshirotutthorfi, T., Nasrudin, H., & Azizah, U. (2024). Development of Problem-Solving-Oriented Electronic Module (E-Module) to improve the critical thinking skills of Class XI senior high school students on Acid-Base material. International Journal of Current Science Research and Review, 07(06). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijcsrr/v7-i6-79
- Ramos, L. (2022). Challenges in implementing innovative learning models in technical education: A study on funding constraints and policy needs. Philippine Journal of Educational Research, 15(1), 67-82.
- Red’ko, V., Sorokina, N., Smovzhenko, L., Onats, O., & Chyzhevski, B. (2023). Situational foreign language instruction in competency-based learning framework: Ukrainian experience. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(5), 637-657.
- Retnawati, H., Djidu, H., Kartianom, K., Apino, E., & Anazifa, R. (2018). Teachers’ knowledge about higher-order thinking skills and its learning strategy. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 76(2), 215-230.
- Ritter, S., Gu, X., Crijns, M., & Biekens, P. (2020). Fostering students’ creative thinking skills by means of a one-year creativity training program. PLOS One, 15(3), e0229773.
- Rochmayanti, F., Kuat, T., & Tentama, F. (2022). Effect of internship performance and work motivation on vocational students’ work readiness. IJEI. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from www.ijei.com.
- Saeed, B., & Ramdane, T. (2022). The effect of implementing a creative thinking model on the development of creative thinking skills in high school students: A systematic review. Review of Education, 10(3).
- Singelmann, L., & Ewert, D. (2022). Leveraging the innovation-based learning framework to predict and understand student success in innovation. IEEE Explore. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from ieeexplore.ieee.org.
- Shodipe, T. O., & Ohanu, I. B. (2020). Electrical/electronics technology education teachers attitude, engagement, and disposition towards actual usage of Mobile learning in higher institutions. Education and Information Technologies, 26(1), 1023–1042. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10297-y
- Sin, N. D. M., & Hussin, M. Z. (2024). OUTCOME BASE EDUCATION IMPLEMENTATION EDUCATION IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING: a CHALLENGE AND ISSUE. International Journal of Modern Education, 6(22), 389–408. https://doi.org/10.35631/ijmoe.622028
- Singelmann, L., et al. (2021). Creation of a framework that integrates technical innovation and learning in engineering.
- Spöttl, G., & Windelband, L. (2020). The 4th industrial revolution – its impact on vocational skills. Tandfonline. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from www.tandfonline.com.
- Su, Y., Shao, M., & Zhao, L. (2021). Effect of mind mapping on creative thinking of children in Scratch visual programming education. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 60(4), 906-929.
- Sulistiobudi, R. A., & Kadiyono, A. L. (2023). Employability of students in vocational secondary school: Role of psychological capital and student engagement. CE. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from ce.com.
- Suuryanto, H., Degeng, I. N. S., Djatmika, E. T., & Kuswandi, D. (2021). The effect of creative problem solving with the intervention of social skills on the performance of creative tasks. CS. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from cs.com.
- Tell, J., & Hoveskog, M. (2022). Applied engineering education for soft skills in the context of sustainability and mobility. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 23(8), 324-336.
- Tentama, F., Rahmawati, P. A., & Muhopilah, P. (2019). The effect and implications of work stress and workload on job satisfaction. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 8(11), 2498-2502.
- Thipatdee, G. (2020). The development of English competency-based curriculum integrated with local community for high school students. Journal of Education and Learning, 10(1), 39.
- Torres, J. (2021). Evaluating student outcomes in electronics technology programs: The role of project-based learning and competency-based curriculum. International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research, 8(2), 115-130.
- Vani, M. M., Baig, Y. M., Wesley, C., & Iqbal, S. R. (2021). Sustainable project-based learning: A more practical approach. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 34(0), 718.
- Vergonia, B., & Mombas, S. (2022). Ready to go? Profiling Philippines high school teachers’ readiness for blended learning in post-COVID-19 era. Journal of Educational Management and Instruction (JEMIN, 2(1), 12-23.
- Xia, T., Sun, Y., An, Y., & Li, L. (2023). The influence of music environment on conceptual design creativity. Frontiers in Psychology, 14.
- Yang, Z., Barnard-Brak, L., & Siwatu, K. (2018). How does the availability of information and communication technology (ICT) resources mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and achievement? Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 4(3), 262–266. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-018-0079-x
- Yusof, Y., Bako, I., Roddin, R., Mukhtar, M., & Hamid, H. (2023). Competencies needed for improving teaching among lecturers of polytechnics in north-western Nigeria. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 15(1).