Abstract
D.Ed.
Currently, the passrate for Engineering Drawing presented at
Technical Colleges is unacceptably low. This study is an
extension of an earlier study done in the same studyfield, by the
same writer. A need has thus arisen not only to investigate the
problem areas responsible for the high drop-out rate in
Engineering Drawing, but also to investigate the possibility of
the early identification of the potential riskstudent in
Engineering Drawing.
In an attempt to address this problein further, the aim of this
study therefore is to develop an appropriate measuring instrument
which may be used to identify the potential riskstudent in
Engineering Drawing. Five Technical Colleges on the Eastrand in
the Gauteng Province - catering mainly for black students - were
included in the investigation. For the research study the "Trade Aptitude Test Battery" (TRAT),
compiled by the Human Sciences Research Counil, was used. The results of this study, clearly showed three-dimensional
spatial perception (subtest 16 of the TRAT) as the only factor
to be used when identifying the potential riskstudent in
Engineering Drawing. Subtest 16 of the TRAT could then be used
as an "criterion" to identify the potential riskstudent in
Engineering Drawing.
Lastly this study showed that to master Engineering Drawing
requires a great deal of spatial ability. Lecturers presenting
this subject will therefore have to take into account the
recommendations of this study as set out in chapter 9 when
enrolling students for Engineering Drawing. Subject specific
remedial programmes should be utilized to improve the successrate
in Engeneering Drawing of the identified potential riskstudent
in Engineering Drawing.