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The reaction was faster than ever I could have hoped for. The class was transformed from one where side chat and bored fidgeting was the order, to one of complete silence followed by a burst of disgruntled chatter as they discussed this proposal amongst themselves. It had worked! I had their complete attention all eyes were on me. Yes very fierce and angry eyes by now but I had their attention for the first time of my visit!

I then asked the interpreter what was causing the discontent. Students started pointing and waving their hands. Then a student at the back of the class picked up the body part of the sectioned Starter I had seen earlier. The Student held the device up high in the air. and speaking in perfect English, he told us, “This starter motor is no good, it does not work, it is useless. It never was any good, never has been any good and never will be any good”.

Through the interpreter I asked the class, “What’s wrong with it? Tell me why you say this! We don’t know” replied at least four students together, again speaking in English. Again using the interpreter, I replied, “Then there is something you don’t understand. I was under the impression I couldn’t teach any of you anything!” From that point on I had them in the palm of my hand but I still did not know anything about how this starter worked!!.

It was not necessary to show my ignorance. Instead I used an old teaching trick inviting a student from the back of the class to come up to the front and explain what he had found out about the unit. It was clear to me that this was the student who had stripped down the starter and drawn the diagrams I had seen at the back of the class. The student obliged with enthusiasm and for half an hour he gave us a near perfect lesson on the Air Starter. This gave me a clear understanding of the mechanism and he also highlighted the failings. It was obvious to me that no allowance had been made for lubrication of the vanes although there was lubricant available at the bearings. My student also pointed out that if the housing casting were drilled allowing some of the lubricant to enter the housing, the vanes would receive adequate lubrication. This man had designer qualities over and above his teaching skills!

After thanking him I asked him to return to his seat while I returned to my position as the Instructor. Then I sought the opinion of the class and they all indicated that the lesson had been a success. They were all in agreement; me included that drilling the casting should solve the lubrication problem. I asked the class to suggest how this drilling could be carried out and what size drill should be used. The class began working out the problem and we soon had a solution. I hoped the reasoning would work so I suggested that we put it to the test during the afternoon’s Practical session

Duly a machine was brought into the workshop and work started on the rear engine. The Air Starter motor was removed and the students divided themselves up in a first class manner. The groups planned all the work without my having to worry. By the end of the afternoon the casing had been drilled and was ready for reassembling the following morning.

It did not take the students long to reassemble the machine and have it ready for testing. Rather than make mistakes I chose a group to start the first engine another to stand by for the rear. All went well, the front engine started quickly from the battery and

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