The purpose of this study is to explore the capability of evaluating technical solutions in terms of fitness for purpose in the primary technology classroom. In the study we conceptualize pupils’ ways of experiencing technical solutions in terms of what critical aspects are discerned. The analyzed data is drawn from a classroom study of technology education in a Swedish primary school. In this presentation we make an analysis of two technology lessons about technical solutions in grade 2 (pupils are 8-9 years old). We then analyze interactions between teacher-pupils, pupils and materials and tools. The results include pupils’ different qualitative understandings of the specific content in terms of critical features discerned as well as how interactions in the classroom contribute to the collective development of technological knowledge.
QC 20121217