Project-Based Learning And Why It Works Jim Anderson Jim Halderman

Introductions Jim Anderson- janderson@greenville.k12.oh.us Former technician and High School instructor at Greenville HS in Greenville, Ohio Member of the NATEF board(Chairman) janderson@greenville.k12.oh.us Jim Halderman – Former flat-rate technician and college instructor Author of many automotive books and lives in Dayton, Ohio. www.jameshalderman.com jim@jameshalderman.com

Topics to be Discussed Why projects? How to get the community involved. How to get students to buy in. How do you get the academic instructors involved. Costs Benefits to the program and the school.

Every Student is Involved There is something for every person in the class to do . They take ownership of the project. For the program and their own actions.

Results Grades improve Attendance improves Fewer discipline referrals

How to Get Started Pick a topic (usually in the spring so things can be done over the summer) Get sponsors (donated components, parts etc.) Design the project Line up local shops to help with fabrication, painting etc.

Getting Students Involved A large project needs many hands to make the job go easier. Students plan the project….not the automotive instructors. Students who are good at computers handle the Power Point etc. Students get the academic instructors involved.

Costs Most costs are minor Most of the components are donated by a vehicle manufacturer (GM, Honda, Toyota etc.) Source of funds for plant tours are from selling donated vehicles Grants

Projects Over the Years

Individual Projects Besides the major yearly project each year, we both use individual projects to help students learn. These include mostly low-cost electrical projects that are useful to the students

LED Test Light One LED One 470Ω ½ W resistor A clicker style pen Some wire etc.

Memory Saver Very popular Can be used with a 9-Volt battery Can be connected to a jump box

Theft Deterrent Very popular Many students build this and install on their own vehicle Easy to build How does it work?

Logic Probe Use to check for power and ground A test light can only detect power (unless connected to power)

Student Results Internship at local dealers, independents auto repair stores ,parts store and any other automotive related job. Teaches students the importance of building relationships. Presenting skills

Program Results Working with local civic organizations like Kiwanis, Rotary, Elks, etc. Working with companies in the community helps showcase not only the automotive department but also the entire school system

Academic Integration English Instructors help with research and writing to companies for help. Math instructors work with students on the math related to the project. Science teachers explain physical science principles.

Plant Tours Part of the program involves visiting industry. Including: Honda Chevy Volt plant Ethanol plant Marathon Oil Company

Tech Prep Showcase 15 District first place finishes 13 Regional first place finishes 2 runner-up finishes 1 State first place finish

Skills USA 14 State GOLD medals 8 National GOLD medals 2 National BRONZE medal

Where They Now? 70% attend post secondary education or have entered the work force in the automotive Industry. Most dealers or repair centers in Darke County have at least one former student. We’ve lost track of some, but we know students are in California, Florida, and Oklahoma. Business owners include Reeser Signs, Advantage Auto, Muffler Mart, J&A Construction, and Hittle GMC.

Summary Only positive results from project-based learning. Helps students, the school and the community Adds creditability to your program.

Contact Information Jim Anderson janderson@greenville.k12.oh.us Jim Halderman jim@jameshalderman.com