The post-questionnaire assessed the effectiveness of the assembly, asked if they understood the document and all the steps required to assemble the power supply, and also asked if the graphics were helpful. The post-questionnaire also asked the participants if they needed any additional information to make the document clearer or more useful.
Results/Discussion
Based on their responses to the pre-questionnaire both students indicated familiarity with all the tools required for the assembly including screwdrivers and wire cutters. Both participants also indicated some familiarity with AC/DC power, which they both claimed was from school. One of the two participants had about two years more schooling in electronics and so was more familiar than the other in assembling power supplies. Furthermore, both participants indicated they were comfortable dealing and working with electricity but neither had any professional experience, only some classroom experience.
The students were able to assemble the power supply after reading the document Things You Should Know about a Power Supply. However, one of the two students took a long time assembling it. That was the same student who indicated fewer years spent in the classroom. My observations showed that student was also hesitant about soldering and that part of the assembly took longer than the other. The more experienced participant completed the test in about twenty minutes. The other took almost forty minutes to complete the same task and at several points looked up at me or asked me a question.
Post-test questionnaire results revealed the following information:
Both participants assembled the power supply properly even though one took longer than the other to complete the task
The participant who took longer to complete...
However, the graphics were weak and needed to be improved.
Conclusion/Recommendations
Results revealed some weaknesses in the report. Although intended for students and beginners, the report needs to be bolstered by better diagrams that help the reader assemble a power supply properly. In addition to providing better diagrams and graphics in the report Things You Should Know about a Power Supply, I also believe that the report needs more information about safety. Any document about electronic devices, especially one written for beginners, should include basic safety information.
Also I would have liked to have included more information about proper soldering techniques. The one student with several years more classroom experience was able to complete the task in only twenty minutes because he was comfortable with a soldering iron and had assembled power supplies several times before. The other participant had assembled power supplies only once or twice, and was guided every step of the way. This was the first time that individual had ever assembled a power supply on his own and was relying on my report entirely. To improve Things You Should Know about a Power Supply, I will try to procure better diagrams and graphics. I will also modify the report to include an appendix about proper soldering practices and also safety guidelines.
