The internal combustion engine in technical school curricula

Abstract

A survey on internal combustion engines in Technical school curricula on 259 students (all males) attending trade schools and technical institute. A questionnaire to investigate safety precautions and hazards in connection with internal combustion engines was administered in November 1989. Pupils' results of present school examination were retrieved to be compared with their performance in secondary education. Interviews were also carried out to obtain information about the courses involved, the workshop facilities and other important details. The motor mechanics courses are gaining popularity among the pupils. Their performance in English and Science is improved in the technical education, but Mathematics still remains difficult. It is found that pupils are aware of the effects and causes produced by Internal Combustion engines if these are recent issues. It was shown that 61.4% of the pupils did hear about unleaded petrol and understand its meaning while 3.5% did not know about it. It is satisfactorily enough to note that pupils' response to real life situations at work incorporates the knowledge of safety, theory and the prevention of damage to mechanical and electrical parts of the engine. Pupils are fully aware that the place of work should be well ventilated and that no smoking should occur in the area.