AUT 195

Topics in: Drive to Employment (4 Credits)

Course Syllabus

Course Description

Students practice technical and workplace skills in an automotive lab where diagnosis, service, quality control, and service learning come together to impact change in local communities.

Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 4 hours. Total: 6 contact hours per week.

General Course Purpose

Drive to Employment provides service learning through the construct of automotive shop practice. As a result of student participation in this course, student workplace competencies will increase, the capacity of community organizations to serve others will increase, and low income populations will be served. The course is called Drive to Employment because students prepare for related employment as they assist community clients with low cost transportation solutions that will ultimately help them drive to work or obtain employment.

Course Prerequisites

The successful completion of AUT 100 is a prerequisite. The successful completion of at least sixteen credit hours in automotive technology is recommended, as the course is designed to utilize and synergize existing student skills. A desire to practice and enhance automotive skills while serving others is also important.

Safety

Safety glasses and appropriate shop footwear are required for participation in lab activities.

Course Objectives

By course completion, successful students will:

• Document at least 44 hours of curricular based community service.
• Practice live shop processes from vehicle intake to delivery.
• Identify, complete, and document relevant NATEF technician competencies.
• Demonstrate the use of a reliable diagnostic process.
• Demonstrate the appropriate use of diagnostic and service tools and equipment.
• Demonstrate effective workplace practices (e.g., appropriate dress, positive attitude, etc.)

• Practice applicable safety principles while in class and laboratory environments.
• Practice elements of service learning (problem solving, action, reflection, learning).
• Understand related community needs and gain an appreciation for community service.
• Practice effective teamwork in leading and supportive roles.
• Be responsible for ensuring high quality diagnostic and service outcomes.
• Create a basic resume and portfolio of course learning outcomes.
• Document individual and course progress via Web 2.0 tools.

Major Course Topics

• Community Service
• Customer Satisfaction
• Diagnostic Process
• Employment Readiness
• Job Documentation
• Job Site Safety
• Leadership
• Parts look-up and ordering
• Repair Estimating
• Diagnostic Tools
• Service Tools and Equipment
• Teamwork
• Quality Control

Modes of Learning

Successful students will fulfill the course objectives through a variety of service learning activities and established practices. Drive to Employment does not require extensive textbook reading and listening to lectures. Automotive service and repair experience will come through participation in live laboratory activities and some classroom activities. Students will take part in the entire service process from vehicle intake, repair order generation, diagnosis and repair, estimating, customer interaction and repair invoicing. Observations of class activities will be recorded in a number of ways, including video and photography. Students will reflect on the experience and objective observations via classroom and homework assignments such as blogging and Google docs. Learning will be documented via student portfolios, class videos, and a variety of Web 2.0 tools including the creation of YouTube videos and blogs.

Course Days and Time

Fridays: 8:30 AM to 3:10 PM.

Instructor

Keith Brown

Bisdorf/AA Bldg, Room 352

703.845.4623 (office)

703.845.6006 (fax0

keibrown@nvcc.edu

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is critical in order for the class to address the scheduled service load and meet the multiple objectives of the course. Please contact your instructor as far in advance as possible if your attendance is not possible. For an absence to be considered excused, the instructor should be notified no less than 2 weeks in advance. See grading policy for further information.

Grading Policy

· Attendance (includes arriving on time and not leaving early) 30%

· Lab performance ( proper diagnosis, repair, and verification, volunteer service*) 40%

· Documentation (service write up, repair documentation, homework assignments, portfolio completion) 30%

*volunteer service consists of participating in a volunteer event outside of class.

Letter-grade equivalents: A = 91-100

B = 81-90

C = 71-80

D = 61-70

F = 60 and below

Student responsibilities and requirements:

• Attendance is mandatory! Unexcused absences will result in a reduced course grade or possible automatic withdrawal.
• Be punctual – all sessions are planned to start on time. 4 late arrivals equal 1 unexcused absence.
• Class is not over until you are dismissed by the instructor. Leaving early 4 times equals 1 unexcused absence and no credit for the lab.
• Students are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Respect the instructional staff, your fellow students, and yourself.
• All cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices are to be turned OFF during class, not doing so will result in a grade penalty
• All homework assignments and take home tests are due within one week from when they are given unless noted otherwise. Assignments turned in late will be subject to a 20% grade penalty.
• No assignments will be accepted after 2 weeks past due.
• Students will need internet access to use Blackboard for class assignments and other class related activities. The computer lab is available on campus if needed.
• Students are required to monitor and use their NVCC email accounts for all class activities. This is the email account the instructor will use to communicate with the students.
• Students are expected to bring pencils, pens, and notepaper to all class meetings.
• Students must read, understand and adhere to the “Automotive Laboratory Rules” posted online
• The attached “Automotive Laboratory Rules” document must be signed and returned to the instructor by the second class meeting.
• Students are required to clean up laboratory areas used during class. This is to include returning all tools and equipment borrowed from the college. The college (and most repair shops) does not provide janitorial services in shop areas. Sufficient time will be given prior to the end of lab sessions for clean-up.
• All students and staff must wear industrial-quality eye protective devices in accordance with the Virginia Statute 22.1-275 while engaged in laboratory activities. Eyewear should conform to ANSI Z87.-2003 (Z87+) standards as designated on the lens and/or frame. WARNING! Students will not be allowed access to any laboratory area without approved safety eyewear! DO NOT FORGET AS THIS WILL RESULT IN A REDUCED COURSE GRADE!!!
• Understand that your success in this course depends on your full participation

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

· For college emergencies and closings, go to www.nvcc.edu and click on “Closings & Emergencies” at the bottom of the home page.

· In the event of a late or delayed opening, if there is at least 45 minutes left in the class/lab session, the class will meet at the indicated campus opening time.

· The “Academic Calendar” can be accessed from the NOVA home page.

· Automotive safety information, such as safety procedures and MSDSs, are located in AE117/Tool Room.

· If you are seeking special accommodations based on a disability, you must provide an Accommodations Memorandum. This can be obtained from the Counselor for Special Needs, located in the Bisdorf/AA building, Room 229. The telephone number is 703.845.6301.

· Students should expect to spend a minimum of two hours per week outside of class for proper preparation and completion of homework. Your success in this course will largely depend on your desire and interest in the subject and the effort you are willing to put forth.

· Please feel free to discuss any concerns or problems regarding the course with the instructor. Your feedback is essential to the quality of this course.

ATTENDANCE AND GRADES (16 WEEK SESSION, SPRING 2012)

· If you are not present for any class sessions by January 26, 2012, you will be automatically withdrawn by the instructor.

· The last day to drop the class with tuition refund is January 26, 2012.

· March 23, 2012 is the last day to withdraw from the class without a grade penalty. The instructor may withdraw a student at this time if attendance is below 60%.

· Any student that wishes to change their enrollment status to audit must do so by January 26, 2012, pending instructor approval.

*all policies and procedures set forth within this document are subject to change at the instructor’s discretion