Building Better Collision Technicians in the Classroom
About this episode
Jessica Weaver, an auto body collision technology instructor at Dakota County Technical College, shares her journey in collision repair education. Emphasizing the importance of kindness and learning from failure, she discusses innovative ways to connect students with real-world experiences in collision repair. Through hands-on demonstrations and engaging conversations, Jessica aims to inspire the next generation of technicians. The episode also highlights her personal experiences overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field and the significance of mentorship in shaping her career.
Jessica Weaver, Auto Body Collision Technology Instructor at Dakota County Technical College, shares how adapting to different learning styles, using visuals, and hands-on play can make a real impact in the collision repair classroom. She explains what it means to truly meet students where they’re at, how she keeps up with rapidly changing vehicle technology as an instructor, and why educators shouldn’t be afraid to ask industry partners for help.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
- Guest: Jessica Weaver, Dakota County Technical College, [email protected]
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Ford Thunderbird
"...I had, it was a 1987 Thunderbird that I crashed into a tree. You know, we're wheel drive..."
The Ford Thunderbird is a car made by Ford that has been around for many years. The 1987 version is known for being bigger and more comfortable than older models.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car that was produced by Ford from 1955 to 1997. The 1987 model is part of the ninth generation, known for its larger size and more luxurious features compared to earlier models.
body work
"...I remember doing the most horrible body work you've ever seen with no, no guidance."
Body work is when you fix the outside of a car if it gets damaged, like when there are dents or scratches. It can be tricky and usually needs special tools to do it right.
Body work refers to the repair and restoration of a vehicle's exterior, including fixing dents, scratches, and other damage. It often requires specialized skills and tools to achieve a professional finish.
ADOS calibration
"One of the things that we've done recently was we just got an ADOS calibration"
ADOS is a set of features in cars that help drivers with safety and convenience, like keeping the car in its lane. Calibration means making sure these features work properly, especially after the car has been repaired.
ADOS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which includes technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Calibration is necessary to ensure these systems function correctly after repairs or adjustments to the vehicle. Proper calibration is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of these systems.
Plymouth
"...if students know what Plymouth is anymore..."
Plymouth was a car brand in the United States that made many popular vehicles. It stopped making cars in 2001, so many younger people might not know about it.
Plymouth was an American automobile brand that was part of the Chrysler Corporation. It was known for producing affordable cars and was popular from the 1920s until its discontinuation in 2001.
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