While not always considered in day-to-day classroom activities, research in teaching practice is essential for advancing the educational experience. It plays a vital role in adapting pedagogies to the changing demands on young people. This holds across subject boundaries but is especially true for Design and Technology (D&T). While this unique subject has close ties to other subjects, and often draws on them, it is a vital component of every child’s general education in its own right. In terms of preparing young people for the future, D&T offers strong routes through to careers, higher education and vocational courses. Yet there is waning emphasis on D&T in the curriculum.
To tackle this contradiction, a few years ago, colleagues and I developed a Knowledge Exchange pilot to build research capacity and engagement in design and technology education (BRACE). The project helped teachers conduct research that would benefit practice on the ground. Ultimately, we wanted to improve student outcomes and reassert the perception of D&T as an essential subject for all children. With generous support from Edge, our participating teachers presented their research virtually at the 39th Pupil’s Attitudes Towards Technology Conference (PATT39) in Newfoundland in 2022.
The pilot began with five teachers, with more now involved. Many have pursued their research further, with some having their papers published in Design and Technology Education: An International Journal. One of our participants is now even studying for a doctorate alongside her role as Head of Department at her school, and we have another due to start later this year. We’ve also created a new website where D&T teachers can find current and topical research about D&T. These outcomes alone are more than we could have hoped for.
