This paper reviews literature on constructivist learning theories relevant to and evident in teacher education in a New Zealand university. These theories are illustrated within an authentic technology education context which involves students from a primary teacher-education degree programme. It investigates how a practical activity, based on…

The use of context-concept education alongside existing approaches is valuable. In this article we introduce a three-domain model for concept-context learning that supports both the design process as well as the idea of concept learning. The model shows how practical and abstract knowledge should be combined to improve context-concept learning.…

How can young pupils get "An effective introduction" to technology and design at the primary level in the Norwegian context? This question is highlighted with examples based on case studies at five classes in two schools doing their first technology and design project at grades 1 or 2 (age 6-8 years). The project was about air rockets. The…

Describes how elementary-school students with emotional and behavioral disorders worked in groups of four to complete design tasks. A chart shows progress in specific communication skills made by each student. (SK)

In a 7-week project, teams of elementary students designed and made a coal cart. The project demonstrated that practical design and technology problems are best broken into manageable subtasks. Doing so enhances understanding of conceptual and procedural knowledge. It also showed how children can be moved toward more expert levels of performance.…

Describes how a learning activity unit was designed for British Year 3 students with no design and technology experience. Outlines timing, teaching strategies, objectives, materials, and assessment method for each lesson; discusses what worked and what did not work. (SK)

Project offers grades 3-8 students hands-on design practice creating built environments to solve a society-based architectural problem. Students plan buildings, draw floor plans, and make scale models of the structures that are then used in related interdisciplinary activities. (Author)