Joining technology at primary school. Development of teaching ideas and materials

Abstract

The aim of the project Joining technology at primary school, which was conducted as part of the EduNaT strategic initiative at FHNW (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland) in the period 2015 to 2017, was primarily to develop and test teaching ideas and materials for technology in General Science classes. The specific aim of the project was to reduce technophobia in teachers by making a tried-and-tested range of technical, didactic and media suggestions available to them on an online platform especially designed for this purpose. A collaborative approach was taken, with engineers and technicians from the FHNW engineering school, educators from the FHNW college of education and teachers from primary schools contributing their respective expertise - they worked together to develop teaching ideas and materials in the field of joining technology at primary school. The materials and ideas were then tested in workshops with 80 pupils from primary school classes. Audio and video recordings were made of the tests, which were then evaluated using objective hermeneutics. Observations made during the workshops led to a deeper understanding of the nature and essence of technical development processes in the participating children. It was possible to deduce from observation analysis, among other things, which joining techniques or elements are particularly suitable for the development of model thinking, which are better for gaining experience with technical design and which are better for understanding technical vocabulary. After evaluation, the teaching ideas and materials were reworked. The resulting teaching ideas and materials are now available through an online platform for qualifying teachers (training and professional development). The development process is presented here and insights are given into the ideas and materials developed by way of some examples.