Enhancing Vocational Students’ Milling Machining Skills through Challenge-based Project Learning Using Coconut Shell-based Polymer Products
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12928/joves.v9i2.16254Keywords:
challenge-based project learning, milling machining, vocational education, coconut shell polymer, sustainable manufacturing, machining skillsAbstract
Milling machining is a core competence in vocational mechanical engineering education because it requires students to integrate technical drawing interpretation, cutting parameter selection, workholding strategy, and dimensional control. However, machining learning in many vocational contexts remains highly procedural, with students often completing predetermined tasks without being sufficiently exposed to authentic manufacturing challenges, non-conventional materials, or sustainability-oriented product development. This study aims to examine the effectiveness and learning process of challenge-based project learning in enhancing vocational students’ milling machining skills through the production of coconut shell-based polymer products. A mixed-method design was employed, combining a one-group pretest–posttest experimental design with exploratory qualitative inquiry. The quantitative phase involved 20 vocational students enrolled in a milling machining class, while the qualitative phase involved classroom observation and semi-structured interviews with five selected students. The learning intervention was designed around a six-stage challenge-based project model: challenge orientation, product and material investigation, machining process planning, milling execution, product evaluation, and reflective sustainability discussion. Quantitative findings showed that students’ mean machining skill score increased from 61.05 in the pretest to 78.15 in the posttest, with a statistically significant improvement. Qualitative findings revealed that students developed stronger technical confidence, adaptive problem-solving ability, active participation, independence, creativity, and sustainability awareness. The use of coconut shell-based polymer material introduced authentic machining challenges related to parameter selection, clamping stability, surface quality, and dimensional control. This study contributes to vocational machining education by proposing a pedagogical model that integrates technical competence, real-world manufacturing challenges, and sustainability-oriented material innovation.
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