This paper provides education-based researchers and practitioners with the preferred research and design methods used by Higher Education Institute (HEI) students and Key Stage 3 (KS3) pupils applied within a participatory approach to a design activity. The outcomes were that both pupils and students found informal (unstructured) interview to be…

Lack of resources has resulted in declining students' enrolment in design and technology in Botswana junior secondary schools by up to 6% per year over 10 years, despite positive encouragement by the government. Based on the PATT (pupils' attitude towards technology) theoretical framework this study indicated how a lack of resources in Botswana…

This is a report, on a small-scale case study, of a programme of short industrial placements (5 day block) for student teachers of technology and design in Northern Ireland. Such placements increase student awareness and understanding of the nature of Engineering and Technology and therefore better prepare them to teach these subjects, as integral…

This paper discusses the impact of a specially developed assessment and feedback system implemented within a second year industrial design module at Coventry University, UK. The "Assessment Buddy" system was developed in response to the need for a successful assessment and feedback method that could cope with the complexities of a creative…

This paper discusses the establishment of a framework for researching children's decision-making skills in design and technology education through taking a grounded theory approach. Three data sources were used: (1) analysis of available literature; (2) curriculum analysis and interviews with teachers concerning their practice in relation to their…

This paper explores the attitude to Mathematics of B.Ed. (Post-primary) Technology and Design student teachers, in Northern Ireland, and is located within the context of "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The aim of the research is to consider whether students' attitude to Mathematics is different when the subject content…

This research explored the extent to which cultural concepts stipulated in Botswana Design and Technology curriculum are taught by teachers at junior secondary schools, a topic on which there is little previous research. The pinnacle of good product innovation is when it is grounded on sensitive cultural analysis of the society's culture. However,…

This paper reports on an investigation into middle school students' naive ideas about, and attitudes towards design and designers. The sample for the survey consisted of students from Classes 7 to 9 from a school located in Mumbai. The data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively to look for trends in students' responses. Results show that…

The French school system is a subjects-centred curriculum from the beginning of 1960s. This deep-rooted organisation tends to block the several attempts made to integrate the teaching of scientific school subjects. From an historical point of view, this paper describes the curricular system and the issue of its current change. It focuses on the…

In this article, the author discusses the challenge of the "transient" and the "timeless" problems of educational assessment and describes how to survive a lifetime of policy and practice in assessment. He first presents a personal retrospective from 1960s to 2000. Then he talks about assessment in transition and conflicting philosophies. Next, he…

In two British schools 16 eighth graders were interviewed about their perceptions of design and technology curriculum. They enjoyed the subject, especially the act of creation. For many, conceptions of "real work" and enjoyment were antithetical. Design and technology appear to provide opportunities for engaging learning activities. (SK)

In a survey of 130 British design and technology students, most viewed teaching as poorly paid, stressful, and lacking in creativity and professional freedom; they had little knowledge of teacher education. Their tutors felt that the teacher's role was constrained by the National Curriculum and the profession had low status. (SK)