Design and fabrication of automotive lighting mock-up: An interactive approach to electricity systems for TVL automotive learners

This study aims to design, fabricate, and evaluate an interactive automotive lighting mock-up to visualize current flow, enhancing the understanding of electricity systems for Grade 11 and Grade 12 TVL automotive learners. The research addresses the challenge of teaching abstract electrical concepts in automotive education by providing a tangible and interactive tool. The mock-up incorporates light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and traditional automotive bulbs to demonstrate current flow through various lighting circuits, including headlights, park/tail lights, directional lights, hazard lights, brake lights, and reverse lights.The methodology involves the design and construction of the mock-up using common automotive electrical components, followed by its implementation in selected TVL automotive classes. The effectiveness of the mock-up is assessed through a comparative study between traditional teaching methods and the newly developed tool. Data collected from learners' performance and feedback are analyzed using statistical tools, specifically a paired sample t-test, to determine the impact on their understanding and practical skills.Results indicate that the interactive mock-up significantly enhances learners' comprehension of electrical systems and their ability to troubleshoot and connect automotive lighting circuits. This improvement is attributed to the visual and hands-on nature of the mock-up, which bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The study concludes that visualizing current flow through interactive tools.