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Technology Education in the Finnish Primary Schools.

Technology Education in Primary School This study focuses on the practices and potential of technology education in Finnish primary schools, where technology education is a compulsory school subject. As in many other countries, the content of technology education is currently being discussed and debated in Finland. For example, Autio (1997), Kananoja (1997), Kankare (1997), Kantola (1997), Lind (1996), and Parikka and Rasinen (1993) argue in their studies that more up-to-date technological content is needed. Finland has a long tradition of teaching practical school subjects. Since 1866, educational handwork (sloyd) has been a compulsory school subject for both boys and girls (Kantola, 1997). Finnish technology education, called “technical work” in the national curriculum guidelines, is a school subject in which pupils design and make products by using different materials, machines, processes, techniques and tools (e.g. Kankare, 1997). This emphasis on designing and making is an essential part of Finnish technology education. It is believed that such experiences develop pupils’ knowledge, personal qualities, and psychomotor skills (Peltonen, 1995; Suojanen, 1993). As with the traditional (sloyd) programs that preceded it, there is general belief that the design and build approach used in contemporary technology education programs enhances the pupils’ creativity, dexterity, diligence, initiative, problem solving, self-image, and preparation for work. As technology education has evolved in Finland, more content has been introduced, including such areas as electricity, electronics, machinery, and computers. Construction kits for teaching control technology have also been adopted. In addition, technology education classes now offers pupils the opportunity to service and repair their bicycles, mopeds, and other technical equipment. These areas, combined with the more traditional sloyd (craft and design), have made Finnish technology education more diverse than in other Scandinavian countries. _