Donal Canty
University of Limerick, Ireland
Niall Seery
University of Limerick, Ireland
Pat Phelan
University of Limerick, Ireland
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Published in: PATT 26 Conference; Technology Education in the 21st Century; Stockholm; Sweden; 26-30 June; 2012
Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 73:14, p. 119-125
Published: 2012-06-18
ISBN: 978-91-7519-849-1
ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)
Identifying the contemporary values and goals that underpin a new conception of technological education are important when contributing to the education of undergraduate initial technology teacher education students. Motivating students to explore and establish what is of value in their subject domain is a significant challenge facing academics and practitioners alike. Williams (2009) presents design based technology education as being embedded in the personal and social context of the student; where the value of what is being learned is as important as the content itself.
Design based tasks have the potential to encourage students to establish and make explicit their views and beliefs. Requiring students to establish their own assessment criteria introduces uncertainty; risk; and confusion into the process of learning. Establishing what is of value now becomes the primary concern for the learner in a quest to demonstrate their capability within a personal view of the subject domain.
This study implemented a constructivist approach to learning in a design based task focused on the development of design; craft and processing skills. The method employed a peer assessment strategy through the use of an Adaptive Comparative Judgement (ACJ) model of assessment that required students to democratically assess the work of their peers. Assessment criteria were not made explicit; as students were encouraged to present their own conception of capability developed throughout the learning activity.
The significance of the study was highlighted by the reaction of the students to their dual role as learner and assessor and how this affected their learning. The empirical evidence collected highlights the importance of empathy as a mediator when developing critical reflective practise. The study outlines the cultural impact of democratic peer assessment on initial teacher education students while establishing what to value within their subject domain.
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