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How to Run an Auto Shop Lab

Auto shop labs are essential to an education in automotive repair and body work. A lab class provides students with hands-on training in the field so they can learn by doing. Auto shop labs may supplement a lecture class where students work with a textbook or it may be the main tool for teaching new students. The shop includes many dangerous tools and machines that could cause injury if not handled properly. A well-run auto shop lab provides students with quality education and minimizes the risk of injury by establishing safety standards with which students must comply.

Instructions

1

Familiarize new students with auto shop lab safety rules and tool procedures by holding a mandatory orientation class on the first day. Include a quiz to ensure all students understand the rules before being allowed to work in the shop.

2

Require all people in the lab area to wear the appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses, protective shoes and long pants.

3

Designate a place for all tools and equipment so they are easy to find. This is essential to a smooth operation when so many students must share the same equipment.

4

Quiz students on the operation of new tools and machines before allowing each student to work with them.

5

Create lesson plans that focus on one aspect of car repair at a time, such as checking fluids, oil changes, brake systems and tire rotation. If you need help building lesson plans, you can refer to a website like lessonplanet.com, which has complete auto shop lesson plans.

6

Provide students with mini lessons about aspects of the car industry, such as explaining auto insurance, environmental impact, buying a car versus leasing a car and auto shop business operations. This will ensure that all students have a well rounded knowledge of all aspects of the car business, rather than limiting their education to mechanics.

7

Provide all students with a lecture or demonstration before allowing them to practice new techniques. This will ensure that students have at least a basic knowledge of the lesson before beginning the work.

8

Give students a quiz or test on each new lesson to evaluate his preparedness for working hands-on with a car. You might include fill-in-the-blank questions or include a diagram of a car and have students label the parts.

9

Give each student a chance to practice what shes learned by working on a car. Be sure to monitor her work carefully so you can correct any mistakes and ensure she has learned the lesson correctly.

10

Advertise within your community and throughout the school to find cars on which your students can work. Many people will be eager to participate because they get free auto repairs and are aiding in students education.

11

Establish a schedule each week of the cars that will be repaired in the shop. Designate students to make each repair so that all students have something to do and little time is wasted.

12

Require vehicle owners to sign a permission form and waiver of liability form that states they agree to allow your class to perform work and will not hold you responsible for damages. This is especially important for classes with novice mechanics who are bound to make mistakes.

13

Clean the lab area regularly to remove potential safety hazards, such as oil spills or tools that are out of place.

14

Evaluate student performance on a regular basis with tests, quizzes and student participation points. Some students may not test well or be great mechanics, but you should reward them for making an effort to understand each lesson and actively participating in your class.

15

Ask vehicle owners to evaluate your operation so you get an outsiders perspective and can make improvements to your lab operation as you go.

Posted by Unknown at 7:30 PM

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