Assadullah Al Kafah Alam, Khakam Ma'ruf, Rizal Justian Setiawan, Alansyah Faturohman, Praphawee Chaiwarit, Nur Al-Azizah Al-Hilmiyah
3D printing technology provides an innovative solution with the capability to produce three-dimensional objects rapidly and at relatively low cost. Within the educational context, 3D printing can serve as an effective medium of instruction for both teachers and students. This study seeks to enhance the creativity of vocational high school teachers in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Electronics through training in the application of 3D printing technology. Employing a participatory action research approach, 20 teachers participated in an 80-hour training program comprising five main modules: an introduction to 3D printing technology, 3D printer operation, 3D design using CAD software, pedagogical integration, and the development of instructional media projects. Results from the pre-test and post-test demonstrated a significant improvement across seven dimensions of teacher competency, with the most substantial increase observed in problem-solving ability (3.6 points) and the least in 3D design skills (2.2 points). The training effectively enhanced teachers' knowledge, technical proficiency, and creativity in integrating 3D printing technology into Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Electronics instruction. As a result, teachers are now able to construct complex physical models that facilitate a more experiential and visual approach to explaining intricate concepts. This research highlights the potential to advance the quality of vocational education and to better prepare students for the requirements of modern industry. Recommendations include the formal incorporation of 3D printing technology into the curriculum, the establishment of school-industry partnerships, and the exploration of inter-school collaborations for resource sharing. © 2025 IEEE.
Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Faculty of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Education, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Universitas Gadjah Mada, Faculty of Engineering, Dept of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; College of Law and Politics National Chung Hsing University, Dept. I.M.P in Asia and China Studies (IMPACS), Taichung, Taiwan; Gadjah Mada University, Faculty of Engineering, Dept of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Universitas Negeri Malang, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Dept. of Biology, Malang, Indonesia
