Revisiting sloyd：curriculum development of design and craft in Iceland : sloyd pedagogy as the basis for design and craft education in Iceland

Abstract

Sloyd pedagogy was established in Iceland towards the end of 19 century, as the basis of Craft education. It was aimed at general education, with a pedagogical framework based on the pedagogy of Nordic Sloyd. Various curricula focusing on Sloyd pedagogy were developed until 1999, when the discipline was re-established as a new technological subject based on technological literacy, innovation and design. The new subject was named Design and Craft. It was influenced by the national curricula of New Zealand, Canada and England. Design and Craft education is compulsory for grades 18 (ages 6-13), but is optional for grades 9-10 (ages 14-15). In Design and Craft, students base the generation of ideas and design on authentic problems and fashion their artefacts from resistant materials. The design systems are based on electronic circuits, mechanisms, pneumatics and structures. Sloyd pedagogy is still an important aspect of the subject: it has been developed and remains the basis of the curriculum. In 2013, a new curriculum for Design and Craft was established, with an increased focus on Sloyd pedagogy. This curriculum seems to have generated a new debate about the value of Sloyd pedagogy in general education. The article describes the establishment of Craft education in Iceland and how Sloyd pedagogy has developed within the subject area, since its inception.