Teaching Methods Influencing the Sustainability of the Teaching Process in Technology Education in General Education Schools

The sustainability of technology education is related to a traditional understanding of craft and the methods used to teach it; however, the methods used in the teaching process have been influenced by the innovative changes accompanying the development of technology. In respect to social and economic development, it is important to prepare young people, both boys as well as girls, with comprehensive knowledge and a basic education in technology for the benefit of their future life. Teachersí assessment of craft and technology education, from two different periods of time, are compared in light of two different national curricula in order to explain possible changes in teachersí conceptions related to the teaching methods of technology and examines teachersí opinions on the methods of technology education. This research attempts to find answers to the questions: What are teachersí attitudes towards teaching methods at the two different periods of time? What changes occurred in the teaching methods of the syllabi in light of the curricula adoptions in 2004 and in 2011? The research is based on questionnaire surveys administered across Estonia in 2004 and 2011. Findings indicate that during the two periods in question the teaching methods used by the teachers of technology education in Estonian schools shifted from the traditional approach to teaching towards a more constructivist approach. The researcher concludes that the teaching methods applied in technology education must keep current. Teaching would greatly benefit from the introduction of more activating teaching methods, particularly those connected with applying technology.