The Teaching of Design and Technology

PCN511 Teaching and Evaluating the Problem Solving Process

Strategies to teach problem solving in the Design and Technology curriculum. Introduction to the teaching of graphic communication skills. Product research, creative and critical thinking skills, anthropometry and ergonomics, modelling and computer-aided design. Experience in coming to grips with self-identified problem and the production of a folio. Hands-on experience in the evaluation of folios and artefacts according to prescribed marking scheme. A simulated environment to analyse and evaluate trainee teachers’ own teaching efforts through peer teaching sessions with special emphasis on introductory procedures and closures, questioning skills and practical workshop demonstrations. Encouragement will be given towards solutions of problems that have elements of National Education in them.

PCN512 Materials Processing

Correct and safe work habits and selection of the appropriate technique in the use of materials as expected of all Design and Technology teachers. Hands-on experience, which includes an integration of design and multi-material approach to project work to enable student teachers to provide advice on solutions to design problems. Properties and working characteristics of materials, processes involving setting and marking out, shaping by wasting and forming, methods of joining, surface finishing and heat treatment, safe and correct usage and maintenance of basic hand tools. The production of simple electronic devices. Hands-on experience in the use of common basic machines used in secondary schools. The safe operations of the basic machines through the different stages of mini projects. Use of powered hand tools and simple computer assisted machining tools. As far as possible, elements of National Education will be incorporated in the designs of the finished artefacts.

PCN513 Managing and Teaching the Design and Technology Curriculum

The Design and Technology syllabus for ‘O’ level in relation to its philosophy, implementation and evaluation. An in-depth analysis of the curriculum in conjunction with the development of a scheme of work. Aspects on workshop organisation and management, resource and facilities planning and safe practices in the workshop. An integrated approach to the teaching of the common processes involving wood, metal, and plastics - their characteristics and workability. The selection of appropriate materials and processes in the development of artefacts. The effective integration of ‘technology’ into the curriculum. National Education issues on the change to Design and Technology instead of teaching the crafts are incorporated.