How (and why) should we build research capacity and engagement in Design and Technology education?

Design and Technology (D&T) is a popular, and important, subject in schools across the UK. A rare gift in the curriculum, D&T combines creative thinking with practical skills, equipping young people with everything they need to become active citizens, learn about technological developments and make informed decisions about new design approaches. It also prepares many for future careers in design and engineering. As a former D&T teacher turned academic, I’ve long been interested in how teachers can use educational research to improve student engagement and achievement. In recent years, there has been a growing interest within the D&T education community for research that is relevant and applicable to teaching practice.