This paper will describe an inquiry into the case of a design & technology one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) trainee's interpretation of their school-based experience in England using the DEPTH approach of subject knowledge, pedagogic knowledge and school knowledge. The following research questions drove the study: (a) What…

This paper is based on work carried out as part of a research study into the professional practices of secondary design and technology teachers in England. It focused on fostering creativity or teaching for creativity as defined by the Robinson Report (1999, All our futures: creativity, culture and education. London: Department for Education and…

This paper identifies five influences on design & technology education in England--the government agency, the curriculum developer, the teacher, the pupil and the researcher. Using developments in school design & technology education and examples from England the paper describes a range of activities involving one or more influences noting the…

The tools to help teachers reflect on their professional knowledge are few in number, and often difficult to utilise. This paper reports on a study conducted with both primary and secondary technology initial teacher education students in a number of different countries who were given the same teacher-knowledge graphical framework as a tool to…

Describes elements of effective design and technology (D&T) teaching are as follows: learner autonomy, provision of an appropriate environment, resources to develop student capability, and motivation of students. Addresses considerations for teacher development and for designing activities and assessment. (SK)

Describes the development of the design and technology component of the National Curriculum of England and Wales from its inception in 1988 to its current form and the influence of the Nuffield Design and Technology Project. The role of the teacher and the need for continuing professional development are discussed. (Author/LRW)