A Pilot Study on Engineering and Technology Education in Primary Schools

Abstract

This paper reports on the first phase of an Engineering Education action research project aimed at developing interest and understanding among primary school students in engineering and technology (E and T) as potential career choices in order to redress the inadequate supply of appropriately trained professionals. The research team in collaboration with students, teachers and school administrators worked on developing engineering curriculum modules to extend existing science curricula in primary schools. Participating students completed pre and post assessments that included questions about general E and T concepts. Analysis revealed that students had a limited understanding about E and T. Post assessments indicated statistically significant improvements to student understanding after exposure to the engineering curriculum. This research demonstrated a successful development to enhance and measure excellence in teaching and learning of E and T concepts at primary school students' level.