Evidence-based performance trends in Graphical Communication

Abstract

In the Maltese educational sector, students sit for their Secondary Education Certificate in various compulsory and optional subjects, one of which is Graphical Communication. In Malta, research about this area is very limited. This study focuses on the Graphical Communication SEC 29 examination and analyses students’ performance trends during the years 2010 - 2017. The aim is to describe the general performance trends and unravel characteristics that affect the outcomes of this examination. The data was analysed in a documentary and ex post facto research. The study examines cognitive abilities such as spatial visualisation and the differences in performance between genders, in relation to the subjects of Graphical Communication and Engineering Drawing. The data shows clear patterns and trends present in the examination papers sat for and a significant relationship between school sectors, gender and level of the two papers sat for by the candidates. A strong correlational relationship was found between scores attained in the two papers. On the other hand, a weak correlational relationship resulted between the scores achieved in the various topics tested in the examination. Significant gender differences were identified based on different cognitive abilities used across several topics. These findings have implications for understanding gender cognitive differences and similarities, performance trends and key indicators that may play a role in facilitating the teaching and learning in graphics education at Secondary level.