Using 2-D Autocad to facilitate Understanding of Orthographic Projection in Year 9
Rhoanna Keen and Philip Wilks: Sharnbrook Upper School
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Summary
This study examined how a drawing package ('Autocad') could be used to support the teaching of orthographic projection to Year 9 students. The research project was carried out by two researchers, each teaching two Year 9 mixed ability Design and Technology groups in weekly lessons over a period of six weeks. The approach was based on the idea that a combination of teacher led activities and resource guides would help students to produce computer-drawn orthographic projections of wooden boxes produced in previous lessons.
Both groups used Autocad and were given support booklets, but one group was teacher led whilst the other group of students relied on resource material. The effectiveness of these approaches was evaluated by means of a student questionnaire and teacher assessment of completed products.
Findings indicated that although students were able to work at their own pace in all lessons, the more able were sometimes restricted in teacher-led sessions. Group work was particularly helpful in aiding the conceptual grasp of orthographic principles. During the course of the project, and as a result of observation and feedback, the support booklet was progressively modified to provide ordered and illustrated step by step instructions; the final version was popular with all students. Teachers also found that this resource made theoretical aspects simpler to teach.
Teacher-led groups scored higher marks overall but able individuals in other groups progressed further and achieved extension tasks. Students using manual drawing methods completed tasks more quickly since they did not have to learn the software first; ICT users presented neater and more accurate products.
Download appendix 1: Lesson plans (3.19K)
Download appendix 2: Reference booklet - Orthographic projection using AutoCad (produced for Year 9 students) (1.17MB)
Download appendix 3: Comparison of lesson activity outcomes from the research groups (7.9K)
Download appendix 4: Student questionnaire (lesson use of AutoCad) (4.05K)
Download appendix 5: Student survey results (8.07K)
Download appendix 6: Student reference sheet showing orthographic projections of a wooden box (127K)
