MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY: A TASK ANALYSIS OF THE PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENTS

This study dealt with the analysis of various tasks performed by students of machine tool technology. The analysis was with respect to the physics and/or mathematics prerequisites needed to carry out given problem solving and motor objectives. Four groups were consulted via a questionnaire; (1)Machine Tool Technology Advisory Committee, (2)Journeyman machinists currently in the trade, (3)Beginning machine shop class at Cerro Coso College, and (4)Intermediate machine shop class at Cerro Coso College. The tasks were validated against the performance of students in a machine tool class. The consensus was that mathematics is essential for a competent machinist. The level of mathematics will vary greatly depending upon the nature of the task. It appeared that physics was of little or no use for most machinists. However, it was felt that physics should be a prerequisite for an Associate of Science degree in Machine Tool Technology.