Monozukuri Class for Lower Grade Students Applying Graduation Research at Technical College

This paper describes the effectiveness of a Monozukuri class (creative engineering education) for making efficient use of graduation research at technical college. The aim of this Monozukuri class lies in encouraging lower grade students to participate in building a 5-inch train model applying their graduation research. Features of this class include having fifth graders experience teaching lower grade students one-on-one, as well as having the lower grade students experience various manufacturing processes. The effectiveness of this Monozukuri education was reviewed based on the changes in the grades of lower grade students from the first to fourth grades, their progress, and student questionnaire. The results showed that lower grade students participating in the Monozukuri class and receiving adequate guidance from higher grade students had improved grades in their studies due to increased interest in creative engineering. It was also found that the class helps to prevent repeating a year.