Abstract:
In this work, we go about answering the question: does the learning style of beginner computer-aided design (CAD) users have any influence on their CAD competence development? We empirically examine a group of 44 novel trainees as they undergo a semester-long formal training program on mechanical 3D software (Pro-Engineer Wildfire). All the while we continuously monitor the trainees performance progress in learning CAD skills. Furthermore, the trainees are classified according to two popular methods: the learning style questionnaire [Honey, P. and Mumford, A., 1992. The manual of learning styles. 3rd ed. Maidenhead: Peter Honey] and the index of learning styles [Felder, R.M. and Soloman, B.A., 2004. Index of Learning Styles (ILS)[online].Available from: http: www.ncsu.edu-felder-public-ILSpage.html (Accessed 15 February 2006)]. Finally, we report on the statistical correlation between the trainees learning styles and their CAD performance throughout the training and we comment on the various learning styles in relation to their CAD competence building capabilities. © 2010 Taylor and Francis.