Making masks for Maui: Keeping the macro task in mind
Citation
Export citationMoreland, J. & Cowie, B. (2007). Making masks for Maui: Keeping the macro task in mind. Journal of Australia Research in Early Childhood, 14(1), 81-93.
Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/2894
Abstract
New Zealand primary school children in technology lessons often design and create an artifact in response to a scenario that relates to their interests and experiences. Usually the task is undertaken over several days. In this paper we draw on data generated within the INSiTE study, a three-year study exploring the nature of effective student-teacher interactions around science and technology ideas. The teacher in this paper planned for her children to create a mask for their forthcoming school production: 'How Maui found the secret of fire'. As the children worked on the macro task, that of designing and making a mask, meso and micro tasks emerged. The teacher assisted the children to identity and resolve these, hearing in mind that the ultimate aim was their successful participation in the school production. When teachers assist children to maintain a focus on the overall or macro task goals their artifact fulfils the specifications of the scenario and children's technology understandings and skills are fostered.
Date
2007Type
Publisher
Monash University, Faculty of Education
Rights
This article has been published in the journal: Journal of Australia Research in Early Childhood. Used with permission.
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- Education Papers [1411]