A new paradigm for pre-engineering education: Design and technology education K-12

The new paradigm of design and technology education is described. Through this paradigm, schools would help shift students from passive to active roles of learning, engage students in the joy of sharing what they learn with others, use students as valued resources capable of helping others, support critical thinking and creative practice by students and teachers, engage students in design as intentional change and improvement, and develop students who are technologically capable and responsible. Particular attention is given to Project UPDATE (Upgrading Practice through Design and Technology/Engineering Education), which is committed to design and develop curriculum materials and guidelines for generating, sharing, and assessing integrated S/M/T (science, mathematics and technology) activities suitable for and interesting to all children K-8