In two automotive air-conditioning classes, an experimental group (n=12) conducted laboratory activities structured by cognitive apprenticeship principles; 14 controls attended lectures. Cognitive apprenticeship was significantly more effective in increasing information acquisition, troubleshooting knowledge, and diagnostic skills. (SK)

Automotive programs that nationally certified enhance student recruitment and give students better employment opportunities. Technicians who earn the Automotive Service Excellence credential have joined the ranks of professionals in the automotive service industry. (Author/JOW)

The author describes the use of a circuit breaker to protect an automobile's electrical system when students are diagnosing problems. (MF)

Bimonthly Supplement to Ind Arts Vocat Educ; v58 n9 Nov 1969

Preventive school bus maintenance to reduce long-term costs should include daily visual inspections by drivers, frequent checks by mechanics, and comprehensive inspections every 5,000 miles. Mechanics recommend checking tail lights, batteries, brakes, lug nuts, leaf springs, tail pipes, and exhaust pipe hangers. (RW)

A program offered by the National Hot Rod Association's Youth and Educational Services in conjunction with the U.S. Army enables students to learn how the Army can offer a pathway into auto mechanics and related careers. (JOW)

Describes a project to raise awareness of electric vehicles in which college students converted an internal-combustion, gasoline-burning truck engine to the use of electric batteries. (JOW)

The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence conducts the only industrywide, national certification program for automotive technicians. As other industries explore standards, this program serves as a model. (JOW)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the requirement for automotive technicians will increase 17 percent by 2008 from the 10-year period starting in 1998. In numbers, this translates to the need for an additional 132,000 technicians over the 790,000 that existed in 1998. The nation is currently losing 10 percent of its automotive…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

This article describes two studies conducted to compare assembly performance and learning rate between computer based training and traditional training of skilled assembly operators. The studies were performed with pre-series production parts from a car cockpit and they were integrated as part of the overall training activities during a new…