Learning composes broad concepts as there are different techniques of acquiring knowledge.  Both practical and theoretical approaches play an essential role in the learning process. As such an appropriate combination of the two methods is the key to holistic learning. Theoretical knowledge relies on reading written information in books and academic journals. Practical education, on the other hand, involves real-life experiences and the application of theory to everyday life. As a mechanical engineering student, both theoretical and practical knowledge are essential to academic success in the classroom and the development of professional skills for a future career.  The conventional teaching and learning processes for a science course such as mechanical engineering employs an equitable combination of the two techniques. This research will examine theoretical learning and practical learning to find out which of the two methods is better for students. In this proposal, the importance of the topic is outlined, alongside with personal experience and research questions.

Importance of the topic

This research evaluates the importance of both practical and theoretical learning. As a mechanical engineering student, both practical and theoretical learning approaches are employed when carrying out my studies in class. I find the topic interesting as it is impossible to be practical without having previous theoretical knowledge, as such both the two concepts of learning are essential. As a mechanic student, practical experience would be very critical in obtaining the skills and techniques, I require to pass my exams and for a professional job as an engineer. At the same time, I would also need theoretical knowledge to have background information on essential concepts taught in the classroom for academic and career success.  This research, however, seeks to find out which of the two techniques should be applied more to learning in the science classrooms. Therefore, it is essential to determine which of the two is most critical to success in academic as well as the development of professional skills. The research will provide me with a better understanding of which of the learning techniques between practical and theoretical approach, that I should concentrate on to be a better Mechanical Engineer, instead of wasting time using both methods. Understanding the importance of practical and theoretical knowledge will assist in the development of appropriate academic and professional skills. Finding out on whether practical or theoretical knowledge is more applicable to learning will also help teachers strategize on which technique to emphasize while teaching students in the class. It will solve the problem of teachers having to balance between practical and theoretical learning as they will give more providence to the best technique. This research will also dig deep into the critical areas of both the practical and theoretical learning techniques, and it will provide a comparison and evaluate the relationship between the two concepts. It aims at identifying the more essential of the two learning approaches.

Personal experience

Mechanic engineering is a scientific study that includes both practical and theoretical learning approaches. I find both processes essential to academic studies in the classroom and the professional field. It is impossible to be practical without having previous theoretical knowledge, as such both are necessary for the learning process. My learning experience as a student takes place both in the classroom for academic studies while practical sessions are carried out in the laboratory. There are those who argue that practical knowledge outweighs theoretical knowledge especially for students taking technical science course such as engineering.  Ideally, most lecturers insist on more practical sessions in the lab that theory sessions in the classroom. There are also those instructors who concentrate more on classroom sessions. Therefore, the argument may not be entirely true as I have to learn concepts in class, understand them before practically applying them to the sessions at the lab. As a mechanical engineering student practical knowledge closely relates to the daily tasks carried out in professional work. Therefore, I need the practical skills to maintain my competitiveness in the real world. On the other hand, theoretical knowledge on engineering forms the basis for the development of practical skills.  Mechanical engineering just as other scientific disciplines greatly relies on the hypothesis generated from theoretical principles. There are certain scientific theories taught in class that are highly conclusive and do not require experimental deductions. From a personal opinion I believe that both techniques are important. This research will provide an insight on what are the essential learning approaches for scientific course such as engineering. It will examine and compare the concepts taught in practical learning to those taught in theoretical learning and determine which other two techniques is more effective in teaching learning for students especially those undertaking science courses.

Research Questions

This research aims at addressing the following concerns

• What are the concepts of practical learning?
• What are the concepts of theoretical learning?
• How do the concepts of practical and theoretical learning, relate or differ?
• What is the importance of practical and theoretical learning?
• What is the best learning technique for students between practical and theoretical learning?
• What is the best learning technique for mechanical engineering students?
• Which of the two techniques (practical and theoretical learning) is preferred by science students?

 
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