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

2. 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)
Jim Halderman –
Former flat-rate technician and college instructor
Author of many automotive books and lives in Dayton, Ohio.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Results
Grades improve
Attendance improves
Fewer discipline referrals

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Projects Over the Years

10. 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

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

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

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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

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

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

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

21. 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.

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

23. Contact Information
Jim Anderson
Jim Halderman