Current and future trends and issues facing technology education - an international Delphi study

Abstract

This study is the result of international research collaboration aimed at identifying current and future trends and issues in technology education in Belgium (Flanders), Finland, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States by replicating Wicklein's (1993) study. First, in 2019–2020, information was collected from technology education stakeholders in all participating countries using a three-round Delphi method. Although the number of participants and data processing procedures varied slightly in individual studies, this study was able to summarise the five most important positive and negative trends and issues reported in technology education in the participating countries. One of the five most important positive and negative trends related to the technology education curriculum and its position in the curriculum, as well as the content of technology education. One of the five most important positive trends and issues was related to the emphasis on hands-on and/or problem-solving approaches in technology and engineering education. In addition, all studies clearly identified the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure professional development opportunities and provide adequate resources for technology education.