This article deals with a theory-based investigation of the diagnostic problem-solving process in professional contexts. To begin with, a theory of the diagnostic problem-solving process was developed drawing on findings from different professional contexts. The theory distinguishes between four sub-processes of the diagnostic problem-solving…

Purpose: This study explores the applicability and transferability of tools developed for the realization of comparability and transparency of qualifications across Europe. It relates to the implementation of the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) in the automotive…

Project-based learning and academic integration are integral parts of the automotive technology program at Greenville High School. This Ohio comprehensive school has used both of these strategies for the past 15 years and their success is reflected in nine state SkillsUSA gold medals and one bronze, in addition to eight gold medals earned at the…

Drag racing is just one of the exciting sporting activities that students enrolled in the Parkland College's Engineering Science and Technologies program get an opportunity in which to participate. The college, located in Champaign, Illinois, has provided affordable career-tech and academic education to area residents since 1966. This article…

The implementation and subsequent evaluation of the PLATO IV system in an Air Force vehicular maintenance training program are described. Outcomes of this project, which was designed to test the effectiveness of the PLATO IV instructional system in a technical training environment, indicate that PLATO could be successfully incorporated into the…

Several intermediate performance objectives and corresponding criterion measures are listed for each of six terminal objectives for an intermediate diesel mechanics course (two semesters, 3 hours daily) designed for high school students who upon completion would be ready for an on-the-job training experience in diesel service and repair. Through…

The United States Training and Employment Service General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB), first published in 1947, has been included in a continuing program of research to validate the tests against success in many different occupations. The GATB consists of 12 tests which measure nine aptitudes: General Learning Ability; Verbal Aptitude; Numerical…

Several intermediate performance objectives and corresponding criterion measures are listed for each of 12 terminal objectives for a basic diesel mechanics course. The course is designed as a two-semester (2 hour daily) course for 10th graders interested in being diesel service and repair mechanics; it would serve as the first year of a 3-year…

The general purpose of the occupational analysis is to provide workable, basic information dealing with the many and varied duties performed in the auto mechanic occupation. It identifies the broad area of skills and knowledge necessary to perform various tasks involved in diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of automotive systems. Selected…

The trades and industry curriculum for the Fort Benton school system was designed with funds under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as part of the vocational technology curricula to develop skills and attitudes that will permit students to find satisfaction and success in their careers. The curriculum, designed for grades…

A competency-based small engines program model and its plan of operation are explained and a sample instructional unit for the cylinder rebuild competency is provided. Competency attainment on a job profile/placement printout being developed will be shown as "go" and "no go" rather than grades. (MF)

This instructional package, one in a series of individualized instructional units on automotive steering and suspension, consists of a student guide and an instructor guide dealing with automobile front-end types. Covered in the module are three common types of passenger car front suspension systems and their major components as well as two types…

This instructional package, one in a series of individualized instructional units on automotive steering and suspension, consists of a student guide and an instructor guide dealing with prealignment checks. Covered in the module are the following steps in a prealignment check: checking the ride height of a vehicle, checking the ball joints and the…

This instructional package, one in a series of individualized instructional units on automotive steering and suspension, consists of a student guide and an instructor guide dealing with automobile alignment and adjustment procedures. Covered in the module are identifying positive and negative cambers, positive and negative casters, and toe-ins;…

The purpose of this study was to investigate a test procedure to determine auto mechanic know-how. Participants were allowed to look at, feel, and smell a number of defective vehicle parts in order to identify the part, indicate its condition, decide why it failed, and decide on whether to reuse it or not. The test was divided into 10 categories…