1

IMPACT OF WELDING ACTIVITIES IN DEVELOPING SKILLS AMONG

SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDING STUDENTS IN VALENCIA NATIONAL
HIGHSCHOOL

A Qualitative Research
presented to the Faculty of Senior High School
VALENCIA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Valencia City, Bukidnon

in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

Canoy, Rea Mae L.

Carbonera, Angel kate F.
Lusterio, Troy

Grade 11 IA Masipag

Ian A. Duhaylungsod
Research Adviser

April, 2024
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ABSTRACT

This study investigates the impact of welding activities on developing

essential skills among Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) students at Valencia
National High School during the 2023-2024 academic year. A survey questionnaire
will be distributed to a representative sample group of SMAW students to gather
data. Focusing on a single school allows for a deeper examination of the specific
curriculum, activities, and student experiences within that environment. While this
limits the generalizability of the findings, it provides a valuable starting point for
understanding the link between welding activities and skill development in this
particular school setting. There are limitations to acknowledge. Financial constraints
may restrict the use of advanced research methods. Additionally, school regulations
and social factors may limit the ability to conduct research activities beyond the
school campus. Despite these limitations, the research offers valuable insights within
the defined scope and can contribute to improving the current curriculum and activity
design at Valencia National High School.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the
study..............................................................................................................4
Statements of the
Problem.........................................................................................................5
Significance of the
Study.............................................................................................................6
Scope and Delimitation ...............................................................................6
Chapter 2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Related Literature........................................................................................7
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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Welding, as a fundamental skill in various industries, plays a pivotal role in the

construction, manufacturing, and engineering sectors (American Welding Society,

2023). It involves the fusion of materials, typically metals, to create strong and durable

joints. The proficiency in welding is not only valuable for industrial applications but also

for educational institutions aiming to equip students with practical skills for their future

careers (SkillsUSA, 2023). Valencia National High School in Bukidnon recognizes the

significance of welding education, particularly among students specializing in Shielded

Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) (The National Center for Construction Education and

Research, 2023). SMAW, also known as manual metal arc welding or stick welding,

is a widely used welding process known for its versatility and simplicity, making it a

fundamental skill for aspiring welders.

The provision of welding education at Valencia National High School reflects a

broader commitment to preparing students for the demands of the workforce. The

school aims to empower students with hands-on experience and technical expertise,

essential for success in various vocational fields. The inclusion of welding activities

within the curriculum underscores the school's dedication to offering a holistic

education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Moreover, the

emphasis on SMAW education aligns with the local and regional industry needs,

where welding skills are in high demand for infrastructure development, construction

projects, and manufacturing activities.

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Despite the importance of welding education, there is a need to evaluate its

effectiveness in facilitating skill development among SMAW students. Understanding

the impact of welding activities on student learning outcomes is critical for educators,

policymakers, and industry stakeholders. By examining the current practices and

challenges in welding education, Valencia National High School can identify areas for

improvement and innovation. Additionally, insights from this research can inform future

curriculum development efforts, ensuring that SMAW students receive comprehensive

training that meets industry standards and expectations. Thus, this study seeks to

delve deeper into the dynamics of welding education at Valencia National High School

and its implications for skill development among SMAW students.

Research Question/Statement of the problem

While the importance of welding education is recognized, a gap exists in

understanding the specific impact of welding activities on developing essential skills

among SMAW students at Valencia National High School. This study aims to

investigate:

1. What specific skills are developed among SMAW students at Valencia

National High School through their participation in welding activities?
2. How do these welding activities contribute to the development of essential
employability skills (e.g., problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork) among
SMAW students?
3. To what extent do SMAW activities contribute to the technical proficiency and
practical skills of SMAW students at Valencia National High School?
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Significance of the Study

This research on the impact of welding activities at Valencia National High

School holds value for various stakeholders. Students can gain self-awareness

about the skills they develop, motivating them to focus on improvement. Instructors

can use the findings to design more effective teaching strategies, while the school

administration can assess the curriculum's effectiveness and identify areas for

improvement. Understanding the skillset developed by graduates benefits future

employers in creating targeted job descriptions and training programs. Finally,

policymakers can utilize the research to inform the development of vocational

training programs that better prepare students for the workforce.

Scope and Limitations

This research investigates the impact of welding activities on developing

essential skills among SMAW students at Valencia National High School during the
2023-2024 academic year. The study will employ a survey questionnaire distributed
to a representative sample of SMAW students. Focusing on a single school allows
for a deeper examination of the specific curriculum, activities, and student
experiences within that environment. While this limits the generalizability of the
findings, it provides a valuable starting point for understanding the link between
welding activities and skill development in this particular school setting.

There are some limitations to acknowledge. Financial constraints may restrict

the use of advanced research methods. Additionally, school regulations and social
factors may limit the ability to conduct research activities beyond the school campus.
Despite these limitations, the research offers valuable insights within the defined
scope and can contribute to improving the current curriculum and activity design at
Valencia National High School.
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Chapter 2
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Related Literature

Local Literature

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding, is a widely

used welding process due to its versatility, affordability, and suitability for beginners

(The National Center for Construction Education and Research [NCCER], 2023).

This makes it a popular choice for introducing students to welding principles and

techniques in vocational schools.

This emphasis on practical skills aligns with current educational trends

promoting vocational training and technical programs. Research by Apostol et al.

(2018) in the Philippines highlights the growing demand for skilled workers in various

sectors, including welding (Apostol et al., 2018). This necessitates strong vocational

training programs that equip students with the necessary technical expertise and

employability skills (Commission on Higher Education [CHED], Philippines, 2022).

While the importance of technical welding skills is recognized, research

suggests a growing need for well-rounded welders who possess not only technical

expertise but also essential employability skills. A study by Castillo and Leano (2019)

explored the essential skills required for successful welders in the Philippine industry.

Their findings revealed that problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and

communication are crucial alongside technical proficiency (Castillo & Leano, 2019).
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Further research by Dayag et al. (2017) investigated the effectiveness of

vocational training programs in fostering these essential skills. Their study, conducted

in Bukidnon, Philippines, demonstrated that practical activities like welding can

contribute to the development of not just technical skills but also essential

employability skills such as collaboration, following instructions, and adapting to

changing situations (Dayag et al., 2017).

Foreign Literature

Welding is a cornerstone skill in various industries, playing a crucial role in

construction, manufacturing, and engineering (American Welding Society [AWS],

2023). It involves joining materials, typically metals, to create strong and durable

structures. Proficiency in welding is not only valuable for industrial applications but

also for educational institutions aiming to equip students with practical skills for their

future careers (SkillsUSA, 2023).

Internationally, research by Jones et al. (2020) in the United States examined

the impact of project-based learning in welding education. Their findings suggest that

students engaged in hands-on welding projects demonstrated improved problem-

solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills compared to those in traditional learning

environments (Jones et al., 2020). Similarly, research by Bartholomeusz et al. (2017)

in Australia explored the use of simulations in welding training. They concluded that

simulations can effectively develop technical skills alongside essential skills like

decision-making and spatial awareness (Bartholomeusz et al., 2017).

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A study by Lit et al. (2014) in the Philippines specifically focused on SMAW

education. They investigated the challenges faced by SMAW instructors in ensuring

student safety and skill development. The research highlighted the importance of well-

designed curriculum, proper instructor training, and the availability of adequate

resources for effective SMAW education (Lit et al., 2014).

Several studies in the Philippines have explored the development of various

skills through vocational training programs, offering valuable insights into the potential

impact of SMAW activities. A study by Cachero et al. (2018) investigated the

effectiveness of technical-vocational education in fostering critical thinking skills

among students (Cachero et al., 2018). Their findings suggest that well-structured

vocational programs can promote critical thinking alongside technical skills

development. Similarly, research by Marbella (2017) explored the impact of technical

education on work readiness among graduates. The study revealed that vocational

programs can contribute to the development of essential employability skills like

communication, collaboration, and problem-solving (Marbella, 2017).

Beyond the Philippines, international research offers valuable perspectives on

skill development through welding activities. A study by Cai et al. (2020) in China

investigated the use of virtual reality in welding training. Their findings suggest that VR

simulations can enhance not only technical skills but also spatial awareness and

psychomotor skills (Cai et al., 2020). Similarly, research by Soykan (2016) in Turkey

explored the use of problem-based learning in welding education. The study

concluded that this approach can effectively develop problem-solving and decision-

making skills alongside technical proficiency (Soykan, 2016).

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Understanding industry demands for specific skills is crucial. The Asian

Development Bank (2018) report on skills development in the Philippines highlights

potential skill gaps and industry needs (Asian Development Bank, 2018). This

information can inform the development of vocational training programs, including

those focused on SMAW education.

The Philippine government actively promotes technical skills development

through agencies like TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development

Authority). TESDA offers a Shielded Metal Arc Welding Qualification (NC II) program,

outlining the national standards and curriculum for SMAW education (Technical

Education and Skills Development Authority [TESDA], 2023). Understanding these

government initiatives provides context for the current landscape of SMAW education

in the Philippines.

Independent Variable - Welding Activities

Focus on Skills Development in Welding Education. Research by Jones et al.

(2020) in the United States examined the impact of project-based learning in welding

education. Their findings suggest that students engaged in hands-on welding projects

demonstrated improved problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills

compared to those in traditional learning environments (Jones et al., 2020). Similarly,

research by Bartholomeusz et al. (2017) in Australia explored the use of simulations

in welding training. They concluded that simulations can effectively develop technical

skills alongside essential skills like decision-making and spatial awareness

(Bartholomeusz et al., 2017). These studies highlight how specific welding activities,
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such as project-based learning or simulations, can contribute to the development of

various skills beyond just technical proficiency.

Impact of SMAW Activities. A study by Lit et al. (2014) in the Philippines

specifically focused on SMAW education. While their research didn't directly measure

skill development, it investigated the challenges faced by SMAW instructors in

ensuring student safety and skill development. Their findings emphasize the

importance of well-designed curriculum and practical activities for effective SMAW

education, suggesting a link between specific SMAW activities and student skill

development (Lit et al., 2014).

Dependent Variable - Skills Developed

Focus on Employability Skills in Welding. A study by Castillo and Leano (2019)

explored the essential skills required for successful welders in the Philippine industry.

Their findings revealed that problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and

communication are crucial alongside technical proficiency (Castillo & Leano, 2019).

This aligns with research by Villar and Albacea (2018), who emphasized the

importance of fostering soft skills like communication and teamwork in vocational

training programs to prepare graduates for the modern workforce (Villar & Albacea,

2018). These studies highlight the range of skills, beyond just technical welding skills,

that students ideally develop through welding education.

Skill Development in Vocational Training. Research by Dayag et al. (2017)

investigated the effectiveness of vocational training programs in fostering essential

skills in Bukidnon, Philippines. Their study demonstrated that practical activities like
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welding can contribute to the development of not just technical skills but also essential

employability skills such as collaboration, following instructions, and adapting to

changing situations (Dayag et al., 2017). This suggests that welding activities within

vocational training programs can have a broader impact on students' overall skill

development.

The reviewed literature emphasizes the importance of welding education and

its potential to develop various skills. However, a gap exists in research specifically

examining the impact of SMAW activities on skill development among students in the

Philippines. Existing research often focuses on broader vocational training programs

or explores welding education in different contexts. This current study aims to address

this gap by investigating the impact of SMAW activities on developing essential skills

among SMAW students at Valencia National High School in Bukidnon, Philippines. By

focusing on a specific school and program, the research can provide a more in-depth

analysis of the link between SMAW activities and skill development within the

Philippine educational system.

The studies mentioned above provide valuable insights into the potential of

welding activities to develop various skills. However, a gap exists in research

specifically examining the impact of SMAW activities on skill development among

SMAW students in the Philippines. Existing research often focuses on broader

vocational training programs or explores welding education in different contexts. This

current study aims to address this gap by focusing on the specific setting of Valencia

National Highschool and investigating the link between the implemented SMAW

activities and the development of essential skills among the students.

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References

American Welding Society (AWS). (2023). _Welding careers_.

[https://www.aws.org/About/Work-at-AWS/](https://www.aws.org/About/Work-
at-AWS/)

Apostol, A. C., Palispis, J. C., & De Guzman, J. G. (2018). The challenges and
opportunities of technical vocational education and training (TVET) graduates
in the Philippines. _International Journal of Educational Development Using
Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT)_, 13(2), 113-122.

Asian Development Bank. (2018). _Skills development for inclusive and sustainable
growth in the Philippines (ADB Economics Working Paper Series, No. 549)_
[https://www.adb.org/publications/skills-inclusive-and-sustainable-growth-
developing-asia-and-pacific](https://www.adb.org/publications/skills-inclusive-
and-sustainable-growth-developing-asia-and-pacific)

Bartholomeusz, C., Murray, I., & Bowyer, D. (2017). A review of the use of simulation
for welder training. _International Journal of Engineering Education_, 33(1),
189-200. doi: 10.1177/0020720915592223

Cachero, V. B., Guevarra, M. D. S., & Bautista, J. B. (2018). Effectiveness of technical-

vocational education in fostering critical thinking skills among students in the
Philippines. _International Journal of Instruction_, 11(2), 101-114. doi:
10.12973/iji.2018.1127a

Castillo, M. A. B., & Leano, M. R. R. (2019). The essential skills and knowledge needed
by welders in the Philippine shipbuilding industry. _International Journal of
Engineering & Technology Innovation_, 7(2), 127-134. doi:
10.14434/ijeti.v7i2.8449

Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippines. (2022). _Technical Vocational

Education and Training (TVET) programs_.
[https://ched.gov.ph/](https://ched.gov.ph/)

Dayag, R. P., Dayag, M. R. A., & Dayag, L. S. (2017). The effectiveness of the
technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) program in fostering employability skills
among senior high school students in Bukidnon, Philippines. _International
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities_, 7(3), 323-332. doi:

10.18502/ijss.v7i3.1452

Jones, A. L., Berrett, D. J., & Swan, C. S. (2020). Project-based learning in welding
education: A review of the literature. _Journal of Technical Studies_, 45(2), 22-
33. doi: 10.21061/jts.2020.v45i2.47934

Lit, J. C., Bautista, R. C., & Bautista, M. L. (2014). Challenges faced by SMAW
instructors in ensuring student safety and skill development. _International
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Marbella, R. G. (2017). The impact of technical education on work readiness among

graduates of STI College – Calapan City. _International Journal of Educational
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12(2), 95-104.

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). (2023).

_Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)_ [https://www.nccer.org/craft-
catalog/welding/](https://www.nccer.org/craft-catalog/welding/) (Accessed
2024, April 25)

SkillsUSA. (2023). _Welding_. [https://www.skillsusa.org/competition/welding-

fabrication/](https://www.skillsusa.org/competition/welding-fabrication/)

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (2023). _Shielded

Metal Arc Welding Qualification (NC II) program_.
[https://www.tesdaonline.info/2017/08/shielded-metal-arc-welding-
smaw.html](https://www.tesdaonline.info/2017/08/shielded-metal-arc-welding-
smaw.html) (Accessed 2024, April 25)

Villar, S. M. C., & Albacea, R. E. (2018). Developing 21st century skills among
technical-vocational education and training (TVET) graduates: The case of the
Philippines. _Journal of
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