A few questions about teaching D&T in China

I have been really impressed with the progress and work ethic of my Year 8 classes lately, however I do not know whether this is down to pupils now understanding what D&T is (and can offer them) as a subject, cultural differences when compared to the UK, a combination of all of these previously mentioned factors or something totally different.

Whilst undertaking a study of Food Technology, and more recently Resistant Materials, have been amazed at when set hands-on activities, how pupils (in general) respond with great care, attention and enthusiasm. It has been a long road in which to get here due to the fact that for many students this year had their first taste of Design and Technology.

A lot of education had occurred, not just in terms of subject knowledge and day-to-day teaching, but educating both students parents and other teachers about what the subject entails as well as how it can be useful in real world situations.

During this time I have been as equally impressed and captivated by the fact that Design and Technology in China doesn’t have the pre-existing stereotypes that teachers in the UK battle so hard to break down, of: ‘Resistant Materials is for boys’ and ‘Food Technology and Textiles is for girls’.

Throughout my first year I have witnessed students of different genders apply themselves to all of the different disciplines with equal dedication and aplomb. I could point this as being a cultural difference as many Chinese parents will not have studied Design and Technology. Generally speaking it is it’s infancy in China, however these indicators bode well for the future, as China strives to move away from a ‘Made in China’ label to the ‘Designed in China’ ideology.

I have been particularly impressed at how girls have excelled in the subject. Here we see two Year 8 students that are currently working at the equivalent of a UK National Curriculum Level 6 (Pretty amazing for students with very little previous experience of D&T). They consolidate their hands-on accuracy, enthusiasm and application with great theoretical knowledge of materials and processes.

In terms of the attitudes and behaviours that I am witnessing, I am left with a few questions.

• Is it because D&T is relatively new?

• Are they enjoying the break from more traditionally academic-based subjects?

• Do these students hold D&T in the same light as they view every other subject, as a vitally important aspect of their education?

• Is this context unique to my own situation in China?

• Is it due to the support of parents?

• A combination of all of these things?

• Something else?

I think a student voice survey is next my port of call.

Any thoughts or reflections from anybody else would be greatly appreciated.