Research about D&T

Alison Hardy

Design and Technology (D&T) teachers looking to engage with current research in their field have several excellent resources available. This guide highlights four key journals that publish D&T education research, as well as tips for accessing and reading research articles.

Why Engage with D&T Education Research?

Reading current research can:

  • Challenge your thinking about D&T education
  • Provide new ideas for classroom practice
  • Give insight into policy discussions
  • Deepen your understanding of the field
  • Connect you to the broader D&T education community

Even busy teachers can benefit from occasionally engaging with research articles. Start small by reading abstracts and gradually build your research literacy over time. The insights gained can enrich your teaching practice and subject knowledge.

Key D&T Education Research Journals

Design and Technology Education: An International Journal

  • Open access
  • Focuses on primary, secondary and higher education
  • Covers both D&T education and broader design education
  • Website: Link to journal website

Australasian Journal of Technology Education

  • Open access
  • Newer journal started in 2012
  • Has a Southern Hemisphere focus but includes international perspectives
  • Website: Link to journal website

Journal of Technology Education

  • Open access
  • Based in the US but includes some international content
  • Provides perspectives on technology education from North America
  • Website: Link to journal website

International Journal of Technology and Design Education

  • Subscription required for most articles, but some open access
  • Very international in scope
  • Some open access articles available
  • Website: Link to journal website

International Journal of STEM Education

  • Peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal
  • Focuses on teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
  • Covers Pre K-16 levels including teacher education
  • Topics include technology-rich learning environments, innovative pedagogies, and curriculum design
  • Encourages translational research bridging policy and practice
  • Website: Link to journal website

Techne Series: Research in Sloyd Education and Craft Science

  • Peer-reviewed, open access journal since 2011 (previously print publication from 1995)
  • Focuses on Sloyd Education and Crafts Science
  • Publishes in Nordic languages and English
  • Covers processes, materiality, and body-based aspects of Sloyd/Craft education
  • Addresses educational, psychological, social, cultural and technical contexts
  • Website: Link to journal website

References and further reading

Atkinson, S., 2020. Using and producing design and technology education research. In Learning to Teach Design and Technology in the Secondary School (pp. 329-346). Routledge.

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