Grade 12 - System Integration(Problem Solving)

This sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will:

analyse and solve problems related to the performance of systems and subsystems
communicate diagnostic information when solving systems and subsystems problems
demonstrate teamwork skills in group problem-solving situations

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for System Integration (Problem Solving) in other grades click on an icon below.

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Students refine their troubleshooting skills by diagnosing and solving problems that arise in systems. They learn to work with others to solve systems integration problems, summarize information about technical problems, and explain the problems to various audiences.

In teams, have students use a diagnostic computer to analyse and trace an automotive system failure. Then ask them to diagnose the component of the system that failed.
Present students with a system problem (e.g., printer will not feed paper properly; vehicle will not start) and diagnostic information about the problem (e.g., flow chart, checklists, comments). Have them summarize the results of the diagnostic information and describe how they would explain the repair options to various audiences (e.g., engineer, consumer). Invite students to relate personal experiences that illustrate effective ways of communicating technical information.

Present students with a problem (e.g., VCR that does not function properly). Tell students to use a variety of sources (e.g., owner´s or repair manual) to assist in analysing the problem, communicating diagnostic information, and implementing the best solution.
Have students prepare presentations to explain product repair options and costs to a customer. Brainstorm with students various factors that might influence a customer´s decision (e.g., time, durability, cost).

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

As students diagnose and solve problems in complex systems, they can demonstrate their highest levels of problem-solving and group communication skills.

When students are engaged in troubleshooting, observe the extent to which they are able to:
- approach the problem systematically
- identify interrelationships between various parts
- identify the impact of a failed component on the system
- explore alternative solutions
- use tools and testing equipment to facilitate the troubleshooting process
As students select and use appropriate test equipment to analyse and solve performance problems in systems and subsystems, ask them questions such as:
- Why did you choose this particular piece of equipment?
- What other testing unit could you have selected?
- How did you calibrate the equipment prior to taking readings?
- What range or scale did you use most frequently?
Have students role-play repair technicians explaining a systems problem and repair options (e.g., vehicle ignition fault), first to a customer and then to an engineer. Then ask each student to assess his or her own performance by answering the following questions:
- What points do you feel you communicated clearly and concisely?
- What points do you feel you had difficulty communicating?
- How could you have restated these points for more clarity?
- With which audience (customer or engineer) did you feel it was easier to communicate? Why?