Development of Technology education in New Zealand schools 1985–2008
This important research paper provides an overview of the development of technology education in New Zealand from the early 1980s, when a few teachers – particularly those with strong science interests – were experimenting with including technology in the curriculum, up until the change of government in late 2008.
From the outset, technology was seen as something distinct from technical education (for example, workshop craft and home economics). Now, it is an essential learning area in the New Zealand Curriculum, compulsory up to year 10 and optional in years 11–13.
The paper outlines a vision for technology education and suggests what will be required if this vision is to be realised – most importantly, extensive teacher professional development.
The final section of the paper discusses a range of issues, both historical and current. They include:
- principals' and senior managers' understandings of technology and support
- the accommodating of technology into the school curriculum
- retraining of manual and technical teachers
- school facilities
- salary negotiations and the G3+ issue
- recruitment of teachers
- the theory versus skills debate.
The development of technology education in New Zealand schools 1985–2008 (PDF file, 358kb)