🔒 Shaping the Future of D&T Education: Lessons from the Past

Talking D&T

Subscriber-only episode

Send me a message.

In this episode of Talking D&T, I delve into the historical context and the reasons behind my decision to start the "Shaping Design and Technology Education" series. I reflect on the conversations and committees formed to discuss the state and future of D&T education in England, drawing parallels to the development of the national curriculum in 1990 and 2013. I express my concerns about the representation and balance of stakeholders in these committees, emphasizing the importance of power, legitimacy, and urgency in shaping the curriculum.
I also discuss my contribution to a Festschrift in honor of Professor Mark De Vries, where I propose a new approach to developing the D&T curriculum. Instead of writing a new curriculum, I suggest a framework for evaluating proposed changes and identifying the appropriate stakeholder group. This framework consists of seven criteria, including the subject's epistemology, aims, inclusivity, values, real-world relevance, and feasibility across educational settings.
Throughout the episode, I emphasize the need to view the development of the D&T curriculum as a design project, with each iteration being a resolution relevant to its time. I also highlight the importance of involving teachers at the micro-level, as they have the greatest power, legitimacy, and urgency in delivering the curriculum.
Mentioned in this episode
Documents from the 1990s government directive on the D&T curriculum
Bob McCormick's paper on designing the D&T curriculum by committee
The 2013 D&T curriculum - the first version
Abstract of Alison Hardy's book chapter for the Festschrift in honor of Professor Mark De Vries
Information about the "Redesigning D&T" project
Join my online workshop on 6 November at 4pm to prepare your response to the government's curriculum review. Get insights, discuss key issues, and learn how to submit your views effectively. Your expertise matters - make it count before the 22 November deadline!
Register NOW!

If you like the podcast, you can always buy me a coffee to say 'thanks!'
Please offer your feedback about the show or ideas for future episodes and topics by connecting with me on Threads @hardy_alison or by emailing me.
If you listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to rate and/or review the show.
If you want to support me by becoming a Patron click here.
If you are not able to support me financially, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing a link to my work on social media. Thank you!

Capitoli

1. Shaping the Future of D&T Education: Lessons from the Past (00:00:00)

2. Shaping Design and Technology Curriculum (00:00:55)

3. Redesigning Curriculum and D&T Project (00:10:24)