Health Education 410
HLTH 410: Drivers Education Theory
Prerequisite: Junior status
Credit Hours: (3)
The course imparts knowledge, attitudes, skills and methodology needed to teach driver education. This is the first part of a two part course for driver education certification.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The course is designed to instruct students in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide a foundation for the prospective teacher to develop the ability to organize and deliver classroom instruction pertaining to driver and traffic safety education. This is to meet state guidelines for Driver Education endorsement. In addition, supervised experiences will be designed to assist the prospective teacher in acquiring greater knowledge and more efficiency in skills and techniques that will enable their increased understanding of determinants of behavior necessary for the organization, administration and conduct of a program of driver and traffic safety education.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Lectures, groups discussions, videos, and student presentations will be used.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
After successful completion of the course, the students shall be able to exhibit skills and techniques appropriate to:
1. Identify the elements that make up the Highway Transportation System (HTS) and explain how they interact.
2. Identify and examine the legal responsibilities of owning and operating a motor vehicle.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of those sections of the Virginia state law that regulate the actions of people using the highway transportation system.
4. Identify and explain how to operate vehicle gauges and controls.
5. Explain time-space management necessary for the safe operation and control of a motor vehicle.
6. Explain decision-making skills necessary to execute effective judgement.
7. Identify personal factors that influence driver behavior: fatigue, illness, emotions, physical disabilities, mental disorders.
8. Identify chemical substances that can influence driver's behavior.
9. Understand the need for, the importance of, and the proper use of protective systems.
10. Recognize the effects of natural forces on the driving task: centrifugal force, inertia, friction, traction, gravity, center of gravity, energy of motion, kinetic energy, and momentum.
11. Formulate strategies and/or options for responding to adverse driving conditions.
12. Consider vehicle safety, design features, protective systems, equipment options, overall price of the vehicle, and the cost of maintenance, insurance, and fuel consumption.
13. Demonstrate knowledge of map reading skills, computing distances, and planning routes.
14. Identify the major components of a motor vehicle and describe warning signs that may indicate the need for repair, replacement, or maintenance: electrical, cooling, fuel, exhaust, lubrication, steering suspension, and braking.
15. Demonstrate knowledge of the handling characteristics of a vehicle and safety considerations when interacting with other vehicles.
16. Demonstrate awareness of fire safety procedures.
17. Know how to respond in the event of an accident or vehicle failure.
Assessment Measures
The students will be assessed by:
1. Three written tests.
2. Quizzes.
3. Faculty evaluation of individual and group presentation in class.
Other Course Information
Text: How to Drive. AAA of Virginia. Published AAA of Virginia.
Review and Approval
September 2001 Reviewed Gib Darden
May, 2011