Training and Assessment Module Implementation
Purpose
Application
This training and assessment module will be mandatory to students studying the subjects of Materials Technology (Wood) and Construction Studies in the Irish Second Level Education System.
Teacher Responsibilities
Student Responsibilities
Implementing Machine Training in the Classroom
Each machine should be introduced when the teacher believes the class has the necessary maturity for its use under supervision. According to the State Claims Agency Report 2005 all of the six machines listed above can be used at Junior Cycle provided pupils are deemed competent by their teacher to use them.
The teacher should first demonstrate how the machine is to be used, the precautions to be observed and the correct safety and operating procedures to be followed. The parts for the machine should, also, be outlined and their uses briefly explained. I have developed a demonstration plan for each machine that outlines the key points that the teacher must cover.
Depending on the class size, students may need to be split up into groups. It is not possible to give an effective demonstration with a large group of students trying to peer around a machine (for example if there is a class of 24 students they could be split up into four groups of six). All students should be able to get up close to the machine to see exactly what is happening. In the case where the class is split up into a number of groups the teacher must have a task in place for those students not viewing the demonstration.
Written Material
Material recapping the important points of the machine demonstration will be administrated to students at the end of class which will allow them to prepare properly for the theory test.
Theory Test
Preferably, students should complete the theory test in the class following the demonstration. The test should approximately take 10-15 minutes for students to complete. Appropriate measures should be put in place to deal with students who have learning difficulties (i.e. ensuring the presence of a special need assistant for a student who may have dyslexia). Students will have to pass the test before they are given permission to use the machine.
Practical Test
The practical test should take place when a student uses the machine for the first time. The teacher will observe the student and tick off a checklist to validate that the student has followed correct procedure when using the machine. Once the test is completed the student will then sign the sheet to say he/she has completed the test. Like the theory test if students fail this test they won’t be given permission to use the machine.
Record keeping
It is essential that the teacher keeps both theory and practical tests on record. It is advisable that the teacher has a folder for each class where all documentation is stored. This material could prove very important in the case of an accident occurring within the classroom.
Machine Video Tutorials The tutorials will act as a recapping aid for students throughout the duration of the course. They will be particularly useful for students who were absent during a demonstration. These will also be available on the website.
Purpose
- Satisfy the school and others that their legal duties have been met under health and safety legislation.
- Highlight the importance of safe machine use in the subject areas of Materials Technology (Wood) and Construction Studies.
- Assess student competence in the pillar drill, scroll saw, lathe, band saw, mortiser and belt/disk sander machines through a practical and theory test (both tests must be passed before students are certified to use the machine or power tool).
- Provide the teacher with a written record of the students who are competent in the use of individual machines and power tools and the students who have not passed the test
Application
This training and assessment module will be mandatory to students studying the subjects of Materials Technology (Wood) and Construction Studies in the Irish Second Level Education System.
Teacher Responsibilities
- Checking that their classroom/work areas are safe
- Ensure that students using machinery receive adequate training and have passed both assessment tests.
- Enforce proper usage of personal protective equipment.
- Ensure that machinery and tools are properly maintained.
- Conduct periodic inspections to ensure that guards and safety equipment originally installed on machines and tools remain in place, have not been tampered with and are properly adjusted.
Student Responsibilities
- Receive training on the safe use of machinery and pass the assessment tests.
- Ensure all required guards and safety equipment are in place prior to using machines.
- Wear assigned personal protective equipment.
Implementing Machine Training in the Classroom
Each machine should be introduced when the teacher believes the class has the necessary maturity for its use under supervision. According to the State Claims Agency Report 2005 all of the six machines listed above can be used at Junior Cycle provided pupils are deemed competent by their teacher to use them.
The teacher should first demonstrate how the machine is to be used, the precautions to be observed and the correct safety and operating procedures to be followed. The parts for the machine should, also, be outlined and their uses briefly explained. I have developed a demonstration plan for each machine that outlines the key points that the teacher must cover.
Depending on the class size, students may need to be split up into groups. It is not possible to give an effective demonstration with a large group of students trying to peer around a machine (for example if there is a class of 24 students they could be split up into four groups of six). All students should be able to get up close to the machine to see exactly what is happening. In the case where the class is split up into a number of groups the teacher must have a task in place for those students not viewing the demonstration.
Written Material
Material recapping the important points of the machine demonstration will be administrated to students at the end of class which will allow them to prepare properly for the theory test.
Theory Test
Preferably, students should complete the theory test in the class following the demonstration. The test should approximately take 10-15 minutes for students to complete. Appropriate measures should be put in place to deal with students who have learning difficulties (i.e. ensuring the presence of a special need assistant for a student who may have dyslexia). Students will have to pass the test before they are given permission to use the machine.
Practical Test
The practical test should take place when a student uses the machine for the first time. The teacher will observe the student and tick off a checklist to validate that the student has followed correct procedure when using the machine. Once the test is completed the student will then sign the sheet to say he/she has completed the test. Like the theory test if students fail this test they won’t be given permission to use the machine.
Record keeping
It is essential that the teacher keeps both theory and practical tests on record. It is advisable that the teacher has a folder for each class where all documentation is stored. This material could prove very important in the case of an accident occurring within the classroom.
Machine Video Tutorials The tutorials will act as a recapping aid for students throughout the duration of the course. They will be particularly useful for students who were absent during a demonstration. These will also be available on the website.