Publicerad: 2012-06-18
ISBN: 978-91-7519-849-1
ISSN: 1650-3686 (tryckt), 1650-3740 (online)
Design and Technology (D&T) education in our rapidly changing society has never been more important. The skills; knowledge and understanding that are at the centre of this subject prepare young people for their future lives in so many ways. However the foundations that need to be put in place in primary education are often ignored at this crucial stage of young people’s development; either because of ignorance or lack of interest. Unless the building blocks are in place then future progress inevitably will suffer. This paper seeks to identify some of the key issues that can affect the development of the subject in primary settings and offers some possible solutions to the identified issues. Data was gathered from 5 groups of primary teachers (a total of 62 teachers) who were all studying towards an MA Ed through extended primary D&T courses. The teachers completed questionnaires before and after the course and all took part in semi structured interviews and group discussions throughout the course. Their responses were analysed and findings were also related to research. Implications for future activity are identified and suggested in order to help to address the issues raised from the research. Although the research is based in England it may prove a useful starting point for all those involved in primary D&T worldwide.
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