Technology Education Meets Invention Education

Towards Authentic Design and Problem Solving in School

Abstract

Technology education is a global phenomenon that is a widespread and critical component of school systems in many countries. At the same time, different conceptions of the nature of technology education may be challenging for teachers and hamper authenticity and real-world connection. The (engineering) design process can be found as a backbone of technology education standards and curricula in many countries and is furthermore a common phenomenon that features across STEM subjects as well. In this position paper, therefore, the aim is to propose an infusion of elements from invention education into technology education, to more firmly ground subject matter specifically around design and thus increase authenticity of the subject and motivate students. Invention education is a novel educational intervention connected to STEM that explicitly foregrounds the processes and activities by which inventors approach problem solving, which are closely related to design. It is concluded that technology education may gain access to a more invention-oriented conceptual framework from exploring aspects of invention education which can, in turn, inform signature pedagogies in relation to design. At the same time, invention education may benefit from integrating with a well-established disciplinary tradition that exists in many countries throughout the world from exploring technology education more deeply.