Abstract
Technology has long been recognised as a ‘task-centred’ activity, but far too little work has been done to understand the nature of tasks and how they operate as teaching and learning tools. The problems surrounding Attainment Target 1 (AT1) in the national curriculum in England and Wales provide ample evidence of this. This paper explores — both in principle and through empirical research data — two central features of tasks ie pupil autonomy/teacher control and the role of the ‘client’ or user of the end product. Very contrasting views about tasks emerge from the four key stages.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Bibliography
Bronowski, J.: 1973,The Ascent of Man, British Broadcasting Corporation.
Department of Education and Science and Welsh Office: 1987,Task Group on Assessment and Testing — A Report, DES.
Department of Education and Science and Welsh Office: 1988,Design & Technology Working Group — Interim Report, DES.
Department of Education and Science and Welsh Office: 1989,Design & Technology for ages 5–16, HMSO.
Department of Education: 1992,Technology Key Stages 1, 2 and 3, HMSO.
Department for Education: 1992,Technology for Ages 5–16 (1992), HMSO.
Kimbell, R. A.: 1982,Design Education: the Foundation Years, Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Kimbell, R. A.et al.: 1991,The Assessment of Performance in Design and Technology. The final report of the APU design & technology project 1985–1991, School Examinations & Assessment Council/HMSO.
Kimbell, R. A. and Wheeler, T.: 1991,Negotiating Tasks in Design & Technology, School Examinations & Assessment Council/HMSO.
Kimbell, R. A.: 1992, ‘Technology — A Problem of Success’,Times Educational Supplement, Oct 1992, Times Newspapers.
Light, P. and Perret Clement A. N.: 1991, ‘Social Context effects in Learning and Testing’, in P. Light, S. Sheldon and M. N. Woodhead (eds.),Learning to Think, Open University Press.
Medway, P.: 1992, ‘Constructions of Technology: Reflections on a new subject’, in J. Benyon and H. Mackay (eds.),Technological Literacy and the Curriculum, Falmer Press.
Moore, G. E.: 1903,Principia Ethica, Cambridge University Press.
National Curriculum Council (NCC): 1991, ‘Planning Design & Technology at KS3’ inImplementing Design & Technology at Key Stage 3, NCC Inset Resources. Nuffield Design and Technology Initiative: 1992,Newsletter 2, Nuffield Chelsea Curriculum Trust and Longman Education.
Schools Council: 1975,Education through Design and Craft, Schools Council Design and Craft Education Project, Edward Arnold.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kimbell, R. Tasks in technology. Int J Technol Des Educ 4, 241–255 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01212805
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01212805