An Auto Shop in Jamaica

 

 


T
racy-Ann Hall, Contributing Author
Jonathan Grant High School
Spanish Town, Jamaica

Automotive Technology deals with the knowledge of how motor vehicles function and how to repair vehicle parts and systems. Students also learn workshop safety, how to use various tools and equipment, and basic mechanical engineering.

 

Students enrolled in Automotive Technology range from age 14 to 17 and 95% of enrolled students are male. Many of these students struggle with basic reading and comprehension skills and face socioeconomic challenges.

The learning space is small, but manages to seat 30 students. Students are taught theory lessons in this area, with seats focused towards a white board. Practical lessons are done in the workshop.

Our workshop is small and our resources are limited, but we manage to get the work done. There is only one motor vehicle for the students to work on, so we take work from outside to fill in the experience gap. This provides students with real-life experiences and converts the learning space into a point of connection with the community.

The space has one computer and a projector but the remaining technologies are specific to teaching and learning about automotive parts and systems.

Students love our learning space despite the challenges and limitations. It is an important example of the community being reflected in school activity.


Tracy-Ann Hall received a Teaching Diploma in Automotive Technology from Vocational Training Development Institute and a B.A. in Human Resources Management from University Collage of the Caribbean. She currently teaches Automotive Technology at Jonathan Grant High School in Spanish Town, Jamaica. A strong advocate of hands-on, inquiry-based learning, she involves her students in a variety of community service, problem-solving, and technology-infused activities.