The introduction of technology education in primary and secondary schools during the past 10-15 years around the world has presented a number of difficulties for teachers, primarily related to their coming to understand the phenomenon of technology and to conceptualise the technology learning area in line with national frameworks. This paper…

It has been argued that design and technology can be used as a vehicle for teaching science and vice versa. In this paper, we report an investigation into Grade 6 students' understandings of concepts embodied in the Systems strand of a technology syllabus as they grappled with a unit of work in technology for the first time. The unit of work…

Reports on needs identified by three teachers during an investigation into their first experiences of implementing technology in primary classrooms. Presents two models for conceptualizing and planning units of work in technology. The models form frameworks that may help structure thinking for authentic classroom planning and sequencing of lessons…

Reports an investigation, using an interpretive research methodology, of preservice primary teachers' prior perceptions of design and technology and changes in their perceptions as a result of their engagement in independent technology projects. Discusses implications for the design of technology education courses for preservice and inservice…