Technology education teacher development in solomon islands: Enhancing teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices

Abstract

Technology education in the Solomon Islands is in the process of change with the curriculum being developed into a more broad technological literacy approach, comprising of technological knowledge, technological practices, and the nature of technology. This paper is based on a two-year study (2005 and 2006) with secondary technology education teachers in the Solomon Islands. The first year of the research revealed that technology teachers in the Solomon Islands held narrow perspectives of technology and technology education, with views centering on narrow technical aspects. Classroom practices were teacher-dominated and authoritarian. Most teaching approaches included rote learning. A professional development programme based on the principles of teacher reflection, teacher support, and on-going professional development was undertaken. Workshop days were interspersed with classroom practice. The programme focussed on developing teachers’ views of the nature of technology and learning in technology education, assisting teachers in planning for effective technology teaching and introducing the concept of assessment for effective technology learning. It impacted on teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices. Changes included the teachers’ perceptions of technology and technology education, the teachers’ teaching documents, the teaching pedagogy, the teachers’ assessment practices and the students’ learning styles.