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The research project entitled 'Investigation of the Status of Teaching and Learning of Technology in Primary and Secondary Schools' has been funded by a grant from the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA).
The Project Director is Dr John Williams, Senior Lecturer at ECU. A National Task Force of technology educators in each state and territory has been identified to collect and analyse data. A steering committee has been formed by DETYA to guide the development of the project, and a group of Critical Friends will respond to data analysis, reports and recommendations as the project progresses. A restricted web site forms the project's core method of communication, as well as a site for document storage and tracking.
The project is structured in terms of eight deliverables. A range of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies will be utilized in reporting on these deliverables, including surveys, interviews, document analysis, focus groups and data analysis. The deliverables are:
Deliverable 1 Review of international and Australian literature on technology education in schools.
Deliverable 2 Review data on student participation and achievement in Technology Education.
Deliverable 3 Review and analyse how effectively the social, cultural, environmental, economic and ethical aspects of technology are addressed.
Deliverable 4 Analyse effective practice, including a definition of quality.
Deliverable 5 Identify key principles and priorities to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in initial teacher education, professional development, curriculum and materials.
Deliverable 6 Identify options or approaches which could enhance technology education.
Deliverable 7 Review and analyse the dynamic nature of technology.
Deliverable 8 Review and analyse how well specialist technology teachers, other teachers and the community understand technology education.
This is the first time that Technology Education has received national research attention as it is relatively new as a school subject. It was only identified nationally as a key learning area by the Australian Education Council in 1990, and developed in the 1994 Statement on Technology for Australian Schools. The results of this research will determine effective ways to support Technology Education that enhances both the quality and level of understanding.