Abstract:
All students in NSW schools study Design and Technology which is the core technology subject offered in the Technology and Applied Studies 'Key Learning Area'. Students study D&T for 200 hours between years 7 to 10, but in most instances the prescribed component can be undertaken in the first two years of high school. Many schools are offering elective D&T programs for students in years 9 and 10 and these programs are frequently chosen by students wishing to extend their experience with design and technology. One of the questions of critical interest to teachers and curriculum planners relates to the perception that students have of D&T and how they engage with it. The author's professional interests in D&T classroom activities led him to undertake a qualitative study that was structured to maximise researcher involvement with two year ten class groups in two separate schools over a school year. The author conducted 75 field observations and 30 student interviews.
This paper explores in detail the students' engagement with the requirement of the design folio, incorporating what value they place on it and what they think makes a good design experience. Further analyses showed that these views varied throughout different stages of the design process and critical points are discussed in depth.
This paper explores in detail the students' engagement with the requirement of the design folio, incorporating what value they place on it and what they think makes a good design experience. Further analyses showed that these views varied throughout different stages of the design process and critical points are discussed in depth.