The nature of primary students’ conversation in technology education

Abstract

Classroom conversations are core to establishing successful learning for students. This research explores the nature of conversation in technology education in the primary classroom and the implications for teaching and learning. Over a year, two units of work in technology were taught in two primary classrooms. Most data was gathered in Round 2 during the implementation of the second unit titled ‘Props for the School Production’. The study uses qualitative methodology and an ethnographic approach using participant observations, Stimulated Recall interviews with autophotography, semi-structured interviews with participants and their teachers, and students’ work samples, to develop a rich description of classroom conversation in technology. The study identified four over-arching elements of conversation across four stages of the unit undertaken by the students. Within each with element various sub-elements, are identified. Defined as sources of conversation which contribute to classroom conversations in technology education, the elements are identified as Funds of Knowledge, Making Connections and Links, Management of Learning, and Technology Knowledge and Skills. The study enhances our understanding of elements of conversation that assist student learning in technology. It also presents new findings on knowledge students bring to technology and challenges existing findings on students’ ability to transfer knowledge from one curriculum domain to other.