Teacher Training: Secondary Design Technology

Summary

The importance of design and technology education is highlighted, emphasizing its role in shaping the designed world around us. The course covers pedagogical approaches to teaching design technology, including hands-on experience with modern tools like CAD, 3D printing, and laser cutting. Visiting lecturers from schools offer valuable insights into engaging students and understanding learning processes. The immersive training experience is deemed essential for aspiring teachers, fostering familiarity with students and school environments. Design technology is portrayed as a versatile subject that enhances cross-curricular activities, integrating with disciplines like history and science, thus opening up limitless educational possibilities.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Understanding design and technology is essential as it shapes the world we interact with.
• 🛠️ The course includes pedagogical training on teaching design and technology, emphasizing specific techniques.
• 💻 Students learn advanced skills such as CAD, CAM, 3D printing, and laser cutting.
• 👩‍🏫 Visiting lecturers provide practical advice on engaging students and understanding how the brain learns.
• 🏫 Training in a school environment allows students to experience real classroom settings and equipment.
• 👥 Immersive experiences help students become comfortable with teaching and managing classrooms.
• 🧵 The textiles training program has successfully employed students in various local schools.
• 📚 Design technology supports cross-curricular activities, integrating with subjects like history and science.
• 🔗 The potential for interdisciplinary connections within design technology is vast and exciting.
• ✨ Overall, the program is invaluable for developing effective teaching skills in design technology.

Q & A

Why is it important for pupils to learn design and technology?

It is important because everything in the designed world, which interacts with the natural world, is created through design and technology.

What types of pedagogy do students receive in the design and technology course?

Students learn general pedagogy for teaching, specific pedagogy for design technology, and any specialist techniques they may not have encountered before, such as CAD, CAM, 3D printing, and laser cutting.

What role do visiting lecturers play in the course?

Visiting lecturers, who work in schools, provide valuable advice on engaging children, understanding how the brain learns, and safeguarding students.

How does the school environment contribute to student training?

Training in a school environment allows students to familiarize themselves with available equipment and spaces, as well as gain experience in different school settings.

What has been the speaker's experience leading textiles training?

The speaker has led textiles training for the past five or six years and has witnessed different students being employed in various schools in the area.

Why is design technology considered a massive subject?

Design technology is considered massive because it encompasses a wide range of topics and can support other subjects within the school curriculum.

What are some subjects that can be supported by design technology?

Design technology can support subjects like history and science, allowing for cross-curricular activities.

What is the significance of immersive experience in learning to teach design technology?

Immersive experience is invaluable for learning to teach design technology as it helps students get used to the environment, know the students better, and reduces fear associated with teaching.

How do students benefit from training in different school environments?

Training in various school environments provides students with diverse experiences, helping them adapt to different teaching contexts and understand the needs of different student groups.

What opportunities exist for cross-curricular activity in design technology?

The potential for cross-curricular activity in design technology is phenomenal, with endless possibilities for integrating with subjects like history and science.