Assessing Students’ Entry-Level Competency Using Bloom’s Taxonomy in the Machine Manufacturing Project

VERSION OF RECORD ONLINE: 18/09/2025

Abstract

The machine manufacturing technology project is a critical course that students majoring in machine manufacturing technology must complete before graduation. However, a current issue is the low percentage of students completing this project on time, which significantly impacts their academic progress and the university’s training schedule. This study focuses on assessing students’ competency at the beginning of the course using Bloom’s taxonomy to determine their readiness in relation to the expected learning outcomes. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining both qualitative and quantitative survey instruments, along with a retrospective analysis of students’ weekly progress throughout the 10-week course. A total of 111 students who had recently completed the course participated in the study. The findings indicate that most students’ entry-level competencies fall between Level 2 (Understanding) and Level 3 (Applying), whereas the course is designed with intended learning outcomes at Level 4 (Analyzing). This gap suggests that learners require additional support, particularly during the early stages of the course. The results reveal that current student preparedness does not fully meet the expected standards, highlighting the need to enhance pre-course learning pathways and provide supplementary instruction. The methods and findings of this research can serve as a foundation for evaluating and improving the quality of instruction in other project-based courses within engineering education programs.