Abstract:
In an effort to enhance the education of young designers in New Zealand, this paper examines the key role of design thinking and methodology in Technology education. It suggests that the inclusion of the creative design approach will shift the current emphasis in the learning area of Technology in the New Zealand curriculum from an information gathering, declarative and procedural viewpoint towards one that develops creative and curious minds. This paper builds on earlier research that has identified events occurring within the practice of creative designers in New Zealand. It also presents a discussion on the theoretical views to inform design pedagogy and provides an historical overview of designing as part of a school curriculum. It concludes with reference to ongoing research into customary classroom practice from the Arts that may offer a way forward to inform and re-instate the designing aspect at the core of learning in Technology.
