Curriculum Perspectives in Technology Education: Section Introduction

Abstract

A range of historical and contemporary perspectives related to curriculum are discussed in this section of the Handbook. It begins with a thematic approach to the history of curriculum, a survey of research related to technology education curriculum and a discussion of action research. Two countries have been selected as exemplars of national technology education curriculum, not because they are internationally representative but because they have important messages to tell regarding curriculum development. The relationship of technology education to other areas of the curriculum is discussed in chapters focusing on Engineering, STEM, and vocational education. There are many influences on the curriculum, and in other chapters Sloyd, Policy and Standards are discussed as major influencing factors. The final two chapters approach curriculum from a student perspective, examining the nature of progression and the enhancing effect of out-of-school experiences.