Experiential learning project: A Hands-On Approach to Changing Spark Plugs by Lanny Burnham

 LBurnham Week 4 Project EDAC 634

Name: Lanny Burnham

Project Title: A Hands-On Approach to Changing Spark Plugs

Goal: The goal of this project is to learn how change spark plugs in an automobile.

Learning Objectives

·      Discover what sparks plugs do in an internal combustion engine.

·      Discover when spark plugs need replaced.

·      Gain an understanding of how to change them and the tool necessary.

·      Learn how to change spark plugs by doing it. 

Rationale: Experience learning occurs when there one is shown how to do something by being given a practical example, i.e. being shown how to do something start to finish, and then actually learning from doing the task themselves hands-on. This project was created using Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory Approach. 

Design

Modules	Content	Activity	Rationale
Module 1	Participants are explained to basic concepts of an internal combustion engine.	Participants learn and watch simulations on how the ignition system works and that the spark plugs create a perfectly timed spark that ignites a compressed fuel and air mixture inside an engines cylinder.	As part of the Abstract Conceptualization phase, this will allow participants to understand why spark plugs are necessary to and internal combustion engine and how they work.
Module 2	Participants will learn how to diagnose when spark plugs need to be replaced.	Using an engine that is running poorly, participants will be shown the tools used to check that spark is being delivered to the appropriate spark plug at the correct time via the spark plug ignition wire.	Participants are expanding on their knowledge of the internal combustion engine and the ignition system. This is part of the Assimilating and phase.
Module 3	Students will watch a set of spark plugs being replaced in a vehicle.	Participants are watching a live changing of spark plugs. While this is happening, their senses are fully engaged and they are able to see how everything works all while the instructor changing the spark plugs is talk through and explaining everything he is experiencing and doing all while he is doing it.	This is the reflective Observation segment of Kolb’s theory, probably the most important phase. Students can visually see how the process works from start to finished and when concluded will be ready to complete the task themselves.
Module 4	In this final Module the participants use all of the knowledge they have acquired up to this point and use it to actually complete the task of changing out spark plugs in an internal combustion engine on their own.	Using the tools and knowledge provided, students will mimic the task that the instructor provided in his/her demonstration.	During this important phase students will get a real feel for the task and will learn tremendous amounts from that alone. This is the Active Experimentation portion of Kolbs theory.

 

References

Merriam, S. B. & Baumgartner, L. (2020). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide (4th Edition). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.