Time for action? Elementary engineering education - Challenging teachers, policy makers and parents

Robin Clark, Jane Andrews

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

Grounded in the findings of a three year exploratory student whereby teachers' and policy makers' perceptions of elementary level engineering education were analysed, this paper focuses upon three strands of engineering education activity: Pedagogy: Practice, and: Policy. Taking into account the challenges associated with introducing engineering education at an elementary level across the UK, the paper critiques the role played by the 'competition model' in promoting engineering to children and 4 to 11 years. In considering the 'added value' that appropriately developed engineering education activities can offer in the classroom the discussion argues that elementary level engineering has the potential to reach across the curriculum, offering context and depth in many different areas. The paper concludes by arguing that by introducing the discipline to children at a foundational level, switching on their 'Engineering Imaginations' and getting them to experience the value and excitement of engineering, maths and applied science a new "Educational Frontier" will be forged.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASEE annual conference and exposition, conference proceedings
Number of pages12
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Event121st American Society for Engineering Education annual conference and exposition - Indianapolis, IN, United States
Duration: 15 Jun 201418 Jun 2014

Conference

Conference121st American Society for Engineering Education annual conference and exposition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityIndianapolis, IN
Period15/06/1418/06/14
Other360º of engineering education

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