Abstract:

The motive of the project was the finding that primary school teachers feel insecure regarding technology, despite the rich presence of vision texts and didactic materials. Initially, in this project the role of teacher training in the formation of competences regarding technology was studied. Subsequently, the internal factors (interests, self-image, ...) and the external factors (materials available on the market and at the school, ...) with regard to technology were investigated by primary school teachers and teaching students (primary school).
The research showed that the teacher training mainly focuses on the curriculum ‘Technique and general didactics’ and offers less opportunities to practice technical skills (competences) and the technical mental process.
Within the external factors, teachers and students consider recycling materials to be very important, whereby the spontaneous enthusiasm and interest in technology increase by pupils. Experimental methods (working, thinking, expressing, …) results in positive learning experiences.
The experience of the teachers learned us that once again, the interest of the pupils and the experimental work are the key words.
The internal factors includes the knowledge, insight, skill and attitude of the student and the teacher with regard to technology. It was clear that a positive attitude towards technology is important. A positive attitude of the teacher encourages wonder and curiosity to science and technology in the world around them (pupils).
Finally, students and teachers don’t have to be the expert in technical trading. On the other hand they need to find the drive to search with the pupils and to challenge them to find a solution for a problem.

Keywords:

Technology education, primary school, competences, internal factors, external factors.