A comparative study of industry and secondary schools to determine instructional content for power mechanics in industrial arts education

Abstract

The purpose of this research was the determine (1) instructional content for power mechanics at the secondary school level, (2) the present course content of power mechanics in the secondary schools, (3) the degree of industrial involvement with various phases of power, (4) school and industrial opinions concerning course content for power mechanics, and (5) the optimum percentage of industrial time that should be devoted to the various interest areas related to power mechanics. One hundred seventy-three secondary schools from 23 states were contributors to this study. All participating programs were at least one year in duration. Ninety-five industries from 21 states provided industrial representation. They were involved in one or more of the interest areas related to power mechanics and with the exception of petroleum industries, were engaged in the manufacture of power units. The chi-square test of independence was utilized to determine differences in school and industrial attitudes regarding selected topics as instructional content. The Likert method of attitude scale construction was used to assist in determining the acceptance and importance of each potential instructional topic. The null hypothesis that opinions expressed by industry and schools would not differ with respect to what should constitute a power mechanics program was rejected....