This three-manuscript dissertation in practice used improvement science as the methodological approach of disciplined inquiry into a problem of practice--the discrepancy of male and female participation in engineering design-based (EDB) courses and clubs in Starr School District. Manuscript 1 centered around diagnosing the problem and delved into…

Learning cardiac morphology largely involves spatial abilities and studies indicate benefits from innovative 3D visualization technologies that speed up and increase the learning output. Studies comparing these teaching tools and their educational output are rare and few studies include complex congenital heart defects. This study compared the…

Tangible teaching aids can provide a valuable supplement to traditional textbook-based learning of fundamental STEM concepts. 3D-printed templates detailing the construction of simple parallel and series circuits were incorporated into the lesson plans for 6th-grade introductory physics. Aiming to introduce the concepts of junction and loop rules…

This study explored how students and teachers perceived the interdisciplinary integration of 3D printing technology in teaching and learning within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) elementary schools and its relation to students' attitudes toward STEM careers. The study participants were 148 students and seven teachers from two elementary schools in…

Thermohaline circulation is a foundational concept in introductory and advanced undergraduate oceanography courses which describes the density-driven flow of water throughout the world's oceans. This concept is commonly taught using two-dimensional (2D) diagrams and graphics. However, students often struggle with the three-dimensional (3D)…

This study explored pre-service teachers' perceptions of a 3D printing integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) module within a college-level mathematics content course. Data from surveys and reflections collected from nineteen participants were analyzed. Results indicated that the pre-service teachers perceived…

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has become more affordable, accessible, and relevant in healthcare, however, the knowledge of transforming medical images to physical prints still requires some level of training. Anatomy educators can play a pivotal role in introducing learners to 3D printing due to the spatial context inherent to…

3D printing technology has an influence on a variety of industries such as automotive, engineering, medical, aerospace, sports, fashion, education, and more. In education, 3D printing is used in many different fields like pharmacy, mathematics, biology, chemistry, art education, graphic design, engineering, and even in early childhood and special…

Purpose: Knowing the students' readiness for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is essential to producing competent, knowledgeable and skilled graduates who can contribute to the skilled workforce in the country. This will assist the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure that their graduates own skill sets needed to work in the 4IR…

3D printing is a widely used technology in a number of STEM fields and can be incorporated into undergraduate education in order to engage students in active learning. Using the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, this study examined student perceptions of completing 3D printing of a physical model in two different…

3D printing (3DP) has emerged as a disruptive manufacturing technology that benefits both the manufacturing and educational sectors. The emergence of low-cost and affordable 3D printers has facilitated the widespread use of 3DP technology, particularly in higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing countries. Despite its promising benefits,…

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the activities designed with 3D printing technology on the teaching of the sixth-grade systems in our body unit and to determine the views of students on this technology. In this study, a mixed research design in which quantitative and qualitative research methods are used together was…

This study examines a mixed methods experiment, evaluating the impact of 3D printing on Occupational Therapy student's self-reported technology efficacy levels, before and after an educational module focused on 3D printing technology. Utilizing free and online software and university owned 3D printers, students were challenged to create client…

This mixed-methods study focused on advanced student engagement, mathematics competence, and the influence of teachers in classrooms that used 3D printing to teach mathematics. Quantitative methods were used to understand changes in student perceptions of competence, engagement, and feelings regarding group work. Qualitative methods were used to…

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing are not new technologies but are technologies which, in recent years, have become more accessible to hobbyists and enthusiasts. Engaging with these technologies allows the user to investigate and manipulate virtual and physical 3D shapes, which may affect spatial awareness. The literature suggests that…