Basic Techiques of Blacksmithing: A Manual for Trainers (Peace Corps, 1982, 102 p.): Day 3: Session: 12. Open workshop: mid-program review

Basic Techiques of Blacksmithing: A Manual for Trainers (Peace Corps, 1982, 102 p.)

Day 3

		Session: 9. Eye hook and link: technology transfer
		Session: 10. Forging rings
		Session: 11. Welding practices: forge brazing
		Session: 12. Open workshop: mid-program review

Session: 12. Open workshop: mid-program review

Total Time: 2½ hours

Objectives:

* To assess levels of skills acquisition at this point in the training
* To evaluate the effectiveness of the training design and implementation to date
* To work independently at forges
* To finish incompleted projects
* To practice basic blacksmithing skills

Materials: Newsprint, felt-tip pens, assorted scrap steel, round bar, flux, brass rods, etc.

Trainer Notes

* Prior to this session, it will be necessary to:

- write on newsprint a list of the basic blacksmithing techniques practiced up to this point in the training (see Step 2)

- assemble an ample supply of the equipment and materials necessary to practice these techniques (see Step 4).

Procedures:

Step 1. (5 minutes)
Explain the session objectives and outline the procedures.

Trainer Notes

* Remind participants that this is the mid-point of the training and that it is useful to spend time reflecting upon and evaluating the effectiveness of the program to date.

* Explain that participants should take this opportunity to suggest ways in which the program could be improved so as to take better advantage of the days remaining.

Step 2. (20 minutes)
Ask participants to briefly review and describe the basic blacksmithing techniques which have been practiced up to this point in the training.

Trainer Notes

* Post on newsprint a list of basic techniques practiced to date, including:

- fire building
- fire maintenance
- safety procedures
- heating
- hammering
- drawing out
- cutting (hot and cold)
- bending
- upsetting
- punching
- grinding
- tempering
- measuring
- annealing
- proper use of tools
- brazing

* Referring to the posted list, ask the following questions:

- With which skills do you feel most comfortable? Why?
- Which skills do you feel you would like to practice more? Why?

* Explain that these techniques will continue to be used and practiced during the remainder of the program and encourage those participants that are comfortable with certain techniques to offer assistance to others who are not.

Step 3. (20 minutes)
Ask participants to discuss and evaluate the effectiveness of the program design and implementation to date.

Trainer Notes

* Stimulate discussion by asking:

- Do you feel that the training has been effective in bringing out the issues and complexities involved in working with local blacksmiths? Why?
- What training techniques has the trainer used that have been particularly helpful?
- What could the trainer do to improve his/her training techniques?
- Which sessions have been effective, ineffective - why?
- What are some things that the participants could do to improve the effectiveness of the training?

* Encourage participants to be specific in their responses.

* Record on newsprint some of their suggestions and explain how they can be implemented during the remainder of program.

Step 4. (1 hour, 45 minutes)
Have participants use the remainder of the day to work independently at their forges, finishing projects and/or practicing techniques with which they may not yet feel comfortable.

Trainer Notes

* Allow participants the opportunity to finish projects or practice skills and techniques of their choosing.

* Circulate among the groups. Help to locate materials. Offer assistance whenever necessary, being careful not to intervene to the point of inhibiting the freedom of experimentation and/or independent problem-solving.

* For those participants experiencing particular difficulty with certain techniques, it may be useful to repeat some of the basic demonstrations done earlier in the training.