Capstone 1 (Research Innovation)

Welcome!

This Capstone 1 course guide is designed especially for students in automotive, electrical, electronics, and RAC programs. It walks you through essential research methods tailored to your technical fields, helping you develop strong skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and innovation. 

You’ll learn how to create and defend your own research proposal and produce practical outputs like mock-ups and prototypes.

Whether you’re a student seeking to succeed or someone interested in applied research, this guide provides clear steps, interactive activities, and useful resources to help you build your confidence and develop critical thinking skills. 

Follow along and make your research journey both effective and enjoyable!

Course	Capstone 1
Course Title	Research Innovation
Credit Units	3 units
Course Requisites	None
Course Description	This course teaches essential research methods for Automotive, Electrical, Electronics, and RAC students, emphasizing applied research, data analysis, theoretical frameworks, and practical innovation. Students will develop and defend an original research proposal that may result in mock-ups, prototypes, or system/process improvements. Topics include research concepts, problem identification, literature review, theoretical framework, methodology, instrumentation, and proposal writing.
Course Intended Learning Outcomes	By the end of the course, a successful student can:      CILO1. Explain the fundamental concepts, principles, and methods of research.      CILO2. Distinguish between research methods and describe the qualities of a competent researcher.      CILO3. Formulate research questions, problems, objectives, and hypotheses (if applicable).      CILO4. Conduct a comprehensive literature review and develop a theoretical or conceptual framework.      CILO5. Design and implement a research methodology, including sampling, instrumentation, and ethical                    considerations.      CILO6. Effectively present and defend a well-written research proposal to a panel.
TERM	CONTENT	OBJECTIVES	TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
Prelim	1.       Nature and Purposes of Research	·         Understand the purpose and importance of research in technical fields.
	2.       Core Research Principles	·         Explain the principles of ethics, validity, and reliability in research.
	3. Basic Research Terminology	·         Define and apply common research terms.
	4.       Qualities of a Competent Researcher	·         Identify key characteristics of effective researchers.
	5.       Introduction to Research Approaches	·         Differentiate among quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research.
	6.       Innovation Needs in Technical Fields	·         Identify potential areas for innovation in Automotive, Electrical, Electronics, and RAC.
Midterm	7.       Problem Identification and Formulation	·         Formulate a focused and researchable problem.
	8.       Research Questions and Objectives	·         Construct measurable research questions and objectives.
	9.       Significance, Scope, and Delimitations	·         Write a clear justification and define the boundaries of the study.
	10.    Literature Review and Related Studies	·         Conduct a review of existing literature relevant to the topic.
	11.    Theoretical and Conceptual Framework	·         Develop a theoretical or conceptual base for the research.
	12.    Hypothesis Formulation (if applicable)	·         Construct a testable hypothesis, if relevant to the topic.
SEMI-FINAL	13.    Variables, Population, and Sampling	·         Identify types of variables and appropriate sampling strategies.
	14.    Sampling Techniques	·         Select proper sampling methods based on research needs.
	15.    Research Design	·         Choose a suitable research design for the study.
	16.    Research Instruments	·         Select or develop appropriate data collection tools.
	17.    Participant Selection and Ethics	·         Identify target participants and address ethical considerations.
	18.    Data Collection Planning	·         Plan and organize data collection procedures and the environment.
FINAL	19.    Integration of Research Components	·         Organize all elements into a cohesive proposal.
	20.    Academic Writing and Formatting	·         Apply effective academic writing and formatting standards.
	21.    Proposal Presentation and Defense Preparation	·         Prepare for the oral presentation of the research proposal.
	22.    Mock Proposal Defense and Peer Evaluation	·         Present a draft proposal and respond to peer/instructor feedback.
	23.    Final Proposal Submission and Oral Defense	·         Present and defend the final proposal before a review panel.
Teaching Methodologies	This course will utilize a combination of instructional methods to foster a dynamic learning environment. These methods include: ·          Interactive lectures and multimedia presentations ·          Small group workshops and peer feedback ·          Guided proposal writing sessions ·          Research consultations and coaching ·          Independent and collaborative research ·          Use of online modules and LMS activities
Technological Requirements	To participate effectively in this course, you will need reliable access to the following: 1.        Desktop/laptop with stable internet access 2.        Word processing software (MS Word, Google Docs) 3.        PDF viewer 4.       Access to the LMS for file submissions and announcements
Course Requirements	Successful completion of this course requires active participation in all course activities, full contribution to group outputs, and timely submission of all required tasks.
Language of Submission	All assignments, presentations, and exams must be submitted in English.
Academic Integrity	The school's policy on academic integrity will be strictly enforced in this course. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Proper citation practices using a designated style guide (e.g., APA, MLA) are expected for all research and written work. Refer to the school student handbook or online resources for detailed information on academic integrity policies.
Grading System	Your final grade will be determined based on the following breakdown:                                                  INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT Component Weight Description Written Examinations (Prelim & Midterm, etc) 13% Measures individual understanding of research concepts, design, and methodology. Attendance and Class Participation 10% Based on presence, in-class activities, consultations, and participation in group discussions. Weekly Research Proposal Components (Individual Contribution) 10% Based on the student’s assigned sections and timely submissions as part of the group tasks. Individual Performance in Proposal Defense 10% Assessed based on how well the student presents, explains their section, and responds to panel questions during the defense. TOTAL 43%                                                                             GROUP ASSESSMENT Component Weight Description Final Research Proposal (Written Output) 30% A complete and polished proposal document showcasing the group’s innovation and research competence. Proposal Defense Presentation (Group Delivery) 15% Evaluated as a group on coherence, visual aids, teamwork, and flow of the overall defense presentation. Research Data Collection Plan 5% A detailed group output explaining methods, tools, sampling, and data gathering approach. Weekly Research Proposal Components (Group Output Quality) 8% Evaluation of weekly deliverables as a group (completeness, clarity, technical accuracy). Subtotal 57%     Additional Notes Peer Evaluations (Optional): May be used to adjust individual grades based on contribution and cooperation. Rubrics: Detailed rubrics will be provided for each major component. Submission Policy: All outputs must follow the deadlines and formats set in the LMS, FB Group or email.
Percentage of Passing	To successfully pass this course, each student must achieve a minimum overall grade of 3.0, equivalent to 75% based on the CTS-C standard passing grade. This includes both individual and group performance as outlined in the grading breakdown.
Submission Policies	All assignments, outputs, and deliverables can be submitted electronically through the official course LMS, class Facebook group, or email, depending on the teacher’s instructions, and must be submitted on or before the indicated deadlines. When required by the instructor, a hard copy of outputs (e.g., final research proposal) must also be submitted following the formatting and printing guidelines provided in class or on the LMS. Detailed instructions regarding file formats, naming conventions, and late submission penalties will be provided through the designated submission platform. Group submissions must reflect the assigned roles and contributions of each member. Individual tasks must demonstrate original, independent work unless stated otherwise.
Communication Policies	1.       The preferred modes of communication are: LMS Chat Email Facebook Group Messaging (official class group only) 2.       All inquiries must be written in a professional tone, and the subject line should include the course title and specific concern. 3.       Please allow up to 24 hours for a response from the instructor on weekdays. 4.        Instructor Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open for consultations, guidance, and research-related concerns.
Digital and Communication Conduct	To maintain professionalism and respect across all online and written interactions, students are expected to: Communicate in a positive, respectful, and constructive manner during online discussions, chats, and emails. Provide honest and helpful feedback during peer reviews and collaborative activities. Use a professional tone and clear subject lines in all messages, especially when communicating via LMS, email, or class Facebook group. Respect deadlines, consultation schedules, and LMS protocols.
In-Class Behavior Guidelines	To ensure a productive and disciplined classroom environment, the following are strictly expected: Arrive on time and be fully present—mentally and physically—during class sessions. Refrain from inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to loud conversations, disrespect, and disruptions. Avoid using cellphones, tablets, or any gadgets for non-class purposes during lessons. If caught using unauthorized devices or displaying disruptive behavior, the student may receive a verbal warning, a deduction in participation grade, or further sanctions depending on the severity. Practice academic honesty and individual accountability in both individual and group activities. Act at all times as a proactive, respectful, and responsible learner.
Teacher Information	Cendryl F. Molina cendz777@gmail.com
Learning Resources	A list of required and recommended readings, videos, and online materials will be shared through the course LMS or in a separate file. This list will support your research work and may be updated during the semester as needed.

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