TO: EVOC 501 Instructor Dr.
FROM: Phil Fournier
DATE: 11/13/2004
RE: EVOC 501, WR2 Topics & Tasks
The purpose of the WR2 assignment was to prepare a list of specific topics
and a list of related specific tasks appropriate for the course I teach in Automotive
Engine Performance. The following six
criteria were specified:
1. Comply with all of the General Criteria for Written Reports.
2. Emulate the Fred Fudrucker example for FORMAT, but include my own CONTENT.
3. Write a brief SYNOPSIS of the description of the "occupation" that
my course is intended to prepare people for, as that occupation is described in
the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and indicate whether or not I
believe the information in the DOT is accurate.
4. List and briefly describe FIVE TOPICS appropriate for the course I teach.
5. On a separate list, describe an appropriate SPECIFIC TASK for EACH of the
five topics described. These tasks should be written in terms that indicate
exactly what it is that students are expected to be able to DO and how student
competency will be measured.
6. Include a deliberate and obvious error somewhere in the report. Describe
this error on a separate sheet of paper that will be given to the instructor
(only) along with the copy of the report that is submitted for grading.
The following sources of information were used relative to this assignment:
1. Fournier, Phil – From my own professional experience
2. Dictionary of Occupational Titles (Vocational rehab link on DOL website) http://www.vocrehab.com/title_search_1.htm
3. Halderman,
James D. – Automotive Engine Performance, Prentice Hall publishing,
I believe that the attached report meets all six of above listed criteria. I have (or at least, will have) prepared and distributed a copy of this memo and the attached Topics and Tasks, for all of the other class members. I respectfully request full credit: one point for meeting each of the above listed criteria.
Topics and Tasks for a course in Automotive Engine Performance
By Phil Fournier
Dictionary of Occupational Titles Description:
(Tune-up Mechanic 620.281-066)
Tunes automotive
vehicle engines to ensure efficient operation: Removes spark plugs, using
socket wrench, and tests them, using spark-plug tester. Cleans electrodes in
sandblasting machine, sets spark gap with feeler gauge, and replaces or
installs new plugs. Inspects distributor breaker points for wear and pits,
using feeler gauge, and replaces or resets points. Observes ignition timing,
using timing light, and adjusts timing, using handtools. Adjusts carburetor
needle setting, using handtools, and verifies adjustment, using instruments,
such as fuel analyzer, vacuum gauge, oscilloscope, and tachometer. Sets valve
tappets, using feeler gauge or dial indicator. Replaces defective coils,
condensers, and electrical connection. Removes and cleans carburetor and fuel pump.
Examines battery and connections and electrical charging and starting circuit.
Adjusts, and repairs fan belt, and fuel and water pumps.
Please Note: The above, wordy job
description is hopelessly outdated, starting with the job title. Indeed, even for a document published in
1991, it is outdated, listing technology that went out of use 30 years
ago. Many of today’s technicians have
never worked on a carburetor (last model in 1990) and distributor points were discontinued
in 1974. The title in common use today
is “drivability technician”.
Topics for a course in
Engine Performance:
1. Information
about base engine systems.
2. Information
about starting and charging systems.
3. Information
about ignition systems.
4. Information
about fuel systems.
5. Information
about computer control systems.
Tasks
for a course in Engine Performance:
1.
Given
an illustration of engine vacuum gauge readings, each student will correctly
match the vacuum gauge reading with the appropriate engine condition or
malfunction. (measured by fill-in-the-blank test question).
2.
Using
a battery load tester, each student will demonstrate correct technique to test
a battery’s state of charge. (measured by a performance evaluation).
3.
Using
an ignition system oscilloscope, each student will demonstrate their ability to
display a parade pattern and a raster pattern on the oscilloscope. (measured by
a performance evaluation).
4.
Each
student will write out the names and a short description of the three types of
fuel delivery systems on modern automobiles. (measured by a short essay test
question).
5.
Each
student will learn the operation of a closed loop system. (measured by a short
essay test question).