Project-Based Learning

And Why It Works

Jim Anderson
Jim Halderman
 Introductions
• Jim Anderson-
• 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 • We’ve lost track of
secondary education or some, but we know
have entered the work students are in
force in the automotive California, Florida, and
Industry. Oklahoma.
• Most dealers or repair • Business owners include
centers in Darke County Reeser Signs, Advantage
have at least one Auto, Muffler Mart, J&A
former student. 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 • Jim Halderman
• janderson@greenville.k12.oh.us • jim@jameshalderman.com