Traditional Tales and Imaginary Contexts in Primary Design and Technology: A case study

Authors

  • Matt McLain Liverpool John Moores University
  • Mel McLain St. Michaels in the Hamlet Community Primary School
  • Jess Tsai St. Michaels in the Hamlet Community Primary School
  • Mike Martin Liverpool John Moores University
  • Dawne Bell Edge Hill University
  • David Wooff Edge Hill University

Keywords:

creativity, design, primary design and technology, traditional tales, design fiction

Abstract

Working with contexts is a key component to design and technology activity and education. The most recent iteration of the national curriculum programme of study for design and technology, in England, sets out that children between the ages of 5 and 7 “should work in a range of relevant contexts” (DfE, 2013, p.193); suggested contexts including “home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment”. Whilst these are real world and familiar contexts, fictional contexts also provide opportunities for developing “creative spaces” in which to speculate and discuss. This intrinsic case study explores the work of two primary teachers’ development of a design and technology activity, where traditional tales provide the context. Children explore design problems and opportunities through the eyes of the Billy Goats Gruff, as they seek assistance to cross the river. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and document analysis of children’s design work. The case study reveals how multidisciplinary and imaginative approaches to teaching and learning in the primary classroom stimulate and nurture design thinking, dialogue and critique.

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Published

2017-07-03

How to Cite

MCLAIN, M.; MCLAIN, M.; TSAI, J.; MARTIN, M.; BELL, D.; WOOFF, D. Traditional Tales and Imaginary Contexts in Primary Design and Technology: A case study. Design and Technology Education: An International Journal, [S. l.], v. 22, n. 2, p. 26–40, 2017. Disponível em: https://openjournals.ljmu.ac.uk/DATE/article/view/1552. Acesso em: 7 nov. 2024.