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Externship Summary - 2007

Curriculum Report

RCNGM Leader:  Charles Haynes, Emmett O'Brien Tech HS, Ansonia, CT

Externship: Covidien

Lessons Learned

During my externship at Covidien, it was the emphasis on teamwork that stood out most in my mind.  From the people on the manufacturing floor to the high-level decision-makers in the corporate towers, the ability and necessity to function in teams was repeatedly stressed.

To me, the most challenging part of my externship was that I wanted to be a contributor.  I took my assignment very seriously and did not want to be unproductive, doing "busy work."  Nor did I want to take up a lot of my supervisor's time and attention.  Happily, I was able to find my niche with the "gripper" and the ECO's.

The implementation of my curriculum plan met my expectations.  I assigned two team leaders and these, inturn, picked the other teammates, forming two design teams.  The students really enjoyed working in groups.  The room was abuzz with activity as each student worked at fulfilling their own task and in collaborating with teammates.  With minimal supervision, not only did they complete their design project by deadline, but they also conducted design reviews and presented the finalized designs to a school staff member for evlauation.  Their professionalism was very impressive.

Impact on Student Learning

The students thought the team projects were a very positive experience in preparing them for real-life work situations.  Realizing that others were counting on them, they all became self-motivated so that the project could be finished by the deadline.  All of this without prompting from the instructor.

Externship Sustainability

As part of the Connecticut Technical High School System's computer-aided Drafting and Design Steering Committee and, also, on the Power Standards Curriculum  Writing Commitee, I have had the opportunity to discuss my experiences with my colleagues and my consultant.

For one, I plan to expand my lessons to include more team assignments and to include other things I experienced at Covidien, such as the importance of Quality Assurance in all aspects of a manufacturing organization.  Also, I plan to maintain my contacts at Covidien for the purpose of having my students tour their facility and to have their people come and speak to my class.

Lastly, I have spoken to my colleagues about the benefit of such a relationship and have encouraged them to take part in such activities in the future.

 

 

 


The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education program. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.