Innovated Gear Reduction Starting System Simulator: A Training Device for Automotive Electrical Instruction

Abstract

This study was conducted at Iligan City National School of Fisheries to address the shortage of effective, context-based instructional materials in teaching automotive electrical systems. To improve students’ practical understanding of the gear reduction starting system, an Innovated Gear Reduction Starting System Simulator was developed and assessed for its instructional value during the school year 2024–2025. Using a descriptive research design, the study employed researchers-made survey questionnaire to evaluate both the simulator’s effectiveness and student performance. Thirty-one (31) Senior High School students enrolled in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Automotive strand and seven (7) Senior High School teachers participated as respondents. Data analysis involved frequency counts, weighted means, and descriptive interpretation. The findings revealed that the simulator was highly effective as an instructional device, with a weighted mean of 5.0 across function, operation, and diagnostic features. Student performance also showed strong results: 3.9 in identifying parts, 3.7 in explaining functions, 3.67 in analyzing the circuit, and 3.7 in diagnosing faults (all out of 4.0). These figures indicate that the device significantly enhanced students' competencies in servicing gear reduction starting systems. The study recommends the integration of the simulator into the automotive curriculum and encourages replication of its design in other technical-vocational institutions to support skills-based learning.