Identification of some causes of de-motivation amongst key stage 4 pupils in studying technology with special reference to design and technology

This paper reports the initial findings from the first year of an on going research project into the identification of some of the causes of de-motivation amongst pupils in years 10 and 11 studying Technology with special reference to Design and Technology. Technology in schools requires pupils to apply skills and knowledge to develop solutions to practical problems. As the subject area of technology has developed so has the use of the design process as a method of delivering and examining subject content. It would appear from the initial research that long term pieces of course work, fundamental to the delivery of technology, may well prove to be tangible indicators in the identification of the causes of pupil de-motivation. An initial survey was carried out in fifty schools in seven Local Education Authorities in the North East of England. Eight schools were then selected and a specific sample of Year 11 Technology pupils questioned. Three pupils from each of the eight schools were then selected to help with further research. The findings presented in this paper are concerned with: The number of pupils taking Technology subjects in Year 11; The drop out rate from Technology examinations; Pupils reasons for choosing their Technology option; and their perceptions regarding enjoyment, boredom, and difficulty within that chosen option.