Visualizing Mechanical Concepts: Auxiliary Cards as Tools for Enhancing Student Understanding

In order to tackle the challenges posed by the abstract nature and complexity of mechanical knowledge, this study proposes the use of modeling and simulation to create digital resources, specifically illustrated through colorful stress nephograms, aimed at enhancing the quality of classroom instruction. Using beam bending as a case study, a model was established, and digital resources were generated through simulation. Based on these resources, a set of “auxiliary cards” was developed to aid student comprehension. Subsequently, a teaching experiment was conducted, and the outcomes were evaluated through a questionnaire survey. The results demonstrated the feasibility and scientific foundation of the proposed approach. Notably, the majority of students reported that the auxiliary cards significantly enriched their learning experience, and the teaching experiment promoted increased interactivity and motivation to learn. The research paradigm presented in this paper effectively addresses the longstanding challenge of understanding and visualizing mechanical knowledge. Further development and application of this innovative teaching strategy in additional instructional contexts merit the attention of both scholars and educators.