Research in Engineering Education Symposium 2011 - rees2009

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) Página 505 de 957
The somewhat limited nature of primary level Engineering Education in the UK means that
prior to conducting further investigation, it is necessary for the researchers to gain a
detailed and accurate picture of current provision of primary Engineering Education. The
next stage of the research process will be to work closely with the current non-profit
providers of primary level Engineering Education to undertake an in-depth mapping and
critical analysis of current provision. It should be noted that some evaluation has already
been undertaken – the researchers anticipate building on this in a more academically
grounded and rigorous manner. Consequently, the above conceptual framework is key to
future research as it will provide the means by which the researchers can frame, record
and analyse the data. The framework will adjusted and amended as the research findings
are analysed and the study develops.
Conclusions
This paper has discussed the emergent findings of the first stage of a longitudinal study.
The study so far has shown that through innovative learning and teaching approaches
Engineering could be embedded into the primary curriculum. Indeed, it is possible that the
project-based and hand-on nature of Engineering Education could potentially provide the
tools with which teachers are able to contextualise children’s wider learning experiences
within more traditional subjects including science, history, geography, literacy and
numeracy. An additional component of the work will focus on exploring the international
environment, encapsulating the different educational systems across the globe.
In conclusion, this project has begun to provide evidence regarding the potential
pedagogical and social value of embedding Engineering into the primary school
curriculum. By stimulating children’s Engineering imaginations, we can begin to address
the dire warnings about future shortages of engineers. Thus there can be be little
argument that this study is important for the future of Engineering in the UK in particular,
but also more widely.
Acknowledgement
The Researchers would like to thank Susan Scurlock of Primary Engineer. Her enthusiasm
for this subject is infectious.
References
Cummings, L. (1985). Qualitative Research in the Infant Classroom: A Personal Account’. In
R. Burgess (Ed.), Issues in Educational Research: Qualitative Methods. Lewes:
Falmer. 216-250.
DIUS (2008). A Vision for Science and Society. London: The Royal Academy of Engineering.
Department of Innovation, Universities & Science.
English, L.D., Dawes, L., Hudson, P., & Byers, T. (2009). Introducing Engineering Education
in the MiddleSchool. Proceedings of Research in Engineering Education Symposium
Proceedings of Research in Engineering Education Symposium 2011
Madrid, 4 th - 7 th October 2011