Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities in D&T Education: Insights from Dave Parry

Talking D&T

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In this episode of Talking D&T, I sit down with Dave Parry, Design and Technology Advisor at CLEAPSS, to discuss the current state of D&T education in England and explore potential ways to shape its future. Dave shares his insights from visiting numerous schools and highlights some of the main challenges the subject faces, including a shortage of trained staff, difficulties in recruiting and retaining teachers, and limited access to professional development opportunities.
We delve into the importance of fostering collaboration among stakeholders, such as awarding bodies, to create a shared understanding of the subject's goals and constraints. Dave emphasizes the need for teachers to embrace their agency and professionalism in designing engaging and relevant D&T curricula, while also considering sustainability and environmental issues.
Throughout our conversation, we explore practical strategies for reimagining D&T education, such as focusing on problem-solving rather than take-home projects, utilizing reusable materials and components, and leveraging community resources and partnerships. We also discuss the potential impact of the upcoming Ofsted subject review and the need for effective moderation in online teacher communities.
As we conclude our discussion, I invite listeners to engage with the ideas presented and share their thoughts on shaping the future of D&T education. Together, we can work towards a more collaborative, creative, and sustainable approach to teaching and learning in this vital subject area.
(Text generated by AI, edited by Alison Hardy)
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Ciaran Ellis posted a thought-provoking question on LinkedIn recently: Do design decisions involve value judgements?
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