Interactive Primary Newsletter 21

Technology Teachers' Association Do you ever wonder how things work and how things are made? Have you ever wondered what your former pupils get up to once they transfer to secondary school? Do you need help in developing the technology aspects of the newly published 5-14 Environmental Studies report ? Could you contribute any aspect of your technology teaching for the benefit of your primary school colleagues? If you can answer “yes” to any of the above questions you may be interested in the work of the Technology Teachers Association (known as the TTA for short). The TTA has been around since 1955. It is a subject association and it’s sole aim is to promote technological education in Scottish schools. It is NOT a union, it has no paid officials and it is run voluntarily by teachers for teachers. Up until now it has been largely a secondary teachers’ association concentrating on the secondary school subjects of Craft & Design, Graphic Communication and Technological Studies, amongst others. It is increasingly clear however that a close relationship is needed between primary school teachers and their secondary colleagues. Not just About Computers It’s funny how pupils (and their teachers!) usually include a reference to computers in their definition of what technology is. We’ve all heard 101 definitions of this most abused of educational buzzwords, but computers are only a small part of the story. Technology education is NOT just about computers – one simple definition says it’s just about making things. Of course there’s much more to making things than simply manufacturing them. Most teachers would agree it is a problem solving exercise. It involves applying various design processes to produce an end product. The foundations of the future engineer, the budding designer or the fledgling technologist are built from a very early age. The 5-14 Environmental Studies documents exemplify what teachers should be attempting from Primary 1 right through to Secondary 2 level. The only problem is that the official documents seem to make it sound so complicated. The TTA aims to help the classroom teacher with practical, sensible advice. Journals are published four times per year and representations are made to official bodies (for example Learning Teaching Scotland , HMI and the Scottish Qualifications Authority ) on all related matters. Local meetings are held in various parts of the country and an annual conference and exhibition are held in November each year. The exhibition is the largest exhibition of technology equipment held in Scotland annually and most of the leading educational suppliers are represented. There are competitions with some big prizes available for pupils (for example computers, printers, and software) – thousands of pounds worth of prizes are given out each year. Membership Membership is open to ALL who have an interest in Technological Education. There are over 800 members in Scotland. Most of them are secondary teachers, but now is the time for more primary teachers to join. They can also enjoy the support that their secondary teachers have enjoyed for the past fifty years. Membership currently costs just £15 per year and if you would like to join write to Bob Geddes , TTA Membership Secretary, 77 Baldric Road, Glasgow, G13 3QQ. Make it clear to him that you are a primary teacher and he will welcome you with open arms. Further Information At the very least, membership should provide useful contacts with your secondary teacher colleagues at a national and at a local level – it’s amazing how helpful they can be when you get to know them! They don’t bite – honest! Of course it’s a two way street. They’ll be looking for your help too. They’ll want to know what you make at all levels (primary 1 to primary 7) and what teaching methods you use. They will want to learn from you and they’ll want to help you. If you’re interested in any aspect of the TTA’s work, write for further information to Eric Milton, TTA Secretary, 392 Lee Crescent North, Aberdeen, AB22 8GJ.

Newsletter 21 Menu

Other Primary Newsletters

SOLSN 5-14 Development Site