Making Technology Accessible Through Silent Films –A Study of Reconstructive Exploration in the Area of Technology in Science Teaching

Abstract

The primary purpose of the project “Experiencing technical events in silent films” is to generate silent films on technology along with related didactic materials for use in the training and education of both teachers and primary pupils (Years 1–6) in Switzerland. The project (2017 - 2020) is taking place at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Northwest Switzerland. This article presents a case study that was conducted as part of the project. Year 5 pupils, in pairs, watched silent films on workstations. With the aid of a recently developed audiographic process for lesson observation the children’s conversations were recorded and analysed. The article evaluates the study with regard to findings that are relevant to technical education in the primary school context. Its aim is to make these findings usable in the education and training of both teachers and primary school pupils. On the basis of this study potentially effective methods are being developed to support the abductive and inductive processes of exploration in the area of technology. This development is based on the thesis that reconstructive exploration processes are particularly suited to producing sustainable understanding. A form of teaching-learning conversation based on the socratic method is among the suggested methods for supporting this process. Known as maieutics the socratic method stimulates a process of questioning that leads to discussion. Visualisation and didactic materials are included in the process. In developing such proposals the importance of language in educational processes must be taken into account.