Springer Contemporary Research in Technology Education: Helping Teachers Develop Research-informed Practice

This book provides an overview of contemporary postgraduate research in Technology Education, bringing recent research on technology education to the attention of teachers so that they can use the findings to inform their practice, while also informing the education research community about studies being carried out in the field of Technology Education. The book brings together significant international research on Technology Education by focusing on contemporary PhD theses. While the conceptual underpinnings of each research project are explained, the focus is on elaborating the findings in ways that are relevant for practitioners. The book features contributions from doctoral students who completed their research in 2013. Each chapter employs a similar structure, with a focus on what the research means for classroom teachers. The book offers a valuable resource for researchers, teachers and potential researchers, with suggestions for further study. Each chapter also includes references to the digital edition of the respective full thesis, allowing readers to consult the research in detail if necessary. Review “This is an excellent book that has been published to encourage and engage teachers in research informed practice. … this is a well-balanced book that provides a basis and focal point for up-to-date research informed practice. … I recommend this book for design and technology practitioners who are interested in academic research and the structure it needs to take to ensure it is valid and reliable.” (Jason Davies, Design and Technology Education, Vol. 22 (3), December, 2017) From the Back Cover This book provides an overview of contemporary postgraduate research in Technology Education, bringing recent research on technology education to the attention of teachers so that they can use the findings to inform their practice, while also informing the education research community about studies being carried out in the field of Technology Education.  The book brings together significant international research on Technology Education by focusing on contemporary PhD theses. While the conceptual underpinnings of each research project are explained, the focus is on elaborating the findings in ways that are relevant for practitioners. The book features contributions from doctoral students who completed their research in 2013. Each chapter employs a similar structure, with a focus on what the research means for classroom teachers. The book offers a valuable resource for researchers, teachers and potential researchers, with suggestions for further study. Each chapter also includes references to the digital edition of the respective full thesis, allowing readers to consult the research in detail if necessary. About the Author Dr David Barlex is an acknowledged leader in design & technology education, curriculum design and curriculum materials development. He taught in comprehensive schools for 15 years, achieving head of faculty positions in Science and Design & Technology before taking university positions in teacher education. He directed the Nuffield Design & Technology Project and was Educational Manager for Young Foresight. David is well known for his interest and expertise in developing curriculum materials that support pupil learning from a constructivist perspective. He uses this approach to develop young peoples’ ability to understand and critique the design decisions made by professional designers and those they make themselves in design & technology lessons. This informed the Nuffield Design & Technology publications, which have been widely used in the UK and since emulated abroad – in Russia, Sweden, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Professor P John Williams is the Director of the Science and Mathematics Education Centre at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia, where he teaches and supervises research students in T