Industrial Competency Based-Mathematics Instructional Materials for Mechanical Engineering in VHS

Abstract

Mathematics instructional material in vocational high schools (VHS) should be improved to support students’ competencies in the world of work due to numerous mismatches between industrial demands and the material taught in schools. This study aims at determining the scope of Mathematics teaching material needed by vocational students to establish a stronger link and match with industries. This research is descriptive quantitative. The population in this study consisted of experienced industry practitioners, VHS teachers of Mechanical Engineering Study Program, VHS teachers of Mathematics, and VHS students of Mechanical Engineering Study Program. The total sample was 215 respondents with purposive random sampling. The research instrument used a questionnaire that had been tested for its validity and reliability. Based on research, the coverage of Mathematics teaching materials in the current VHS syllabus was 34 materials, while the number of materials that were considered as important and very important categories based on the findings was 36 materials. It means two Mathematics teaching materials should be added to meet the needs of the industry. It is needed Mathematics teaching material in the Mechanical Engineering Study Program needs to be adjusted to enhance the students’ expertise based on the world of work.