The Technology Education Classroom: What Works?

Technology Education has gone through much changes over the years.  Often it is associated with STEM education.  In every essence it is every bit of each letter.  However, what is changing as well are the dynamics of classroom instruction for it as well.



Woodworking, Shop, Modules, Whole Class Instruction, Stations....a little bit of all....the classroom dynamics can have it all and still work.


Often there is no "one size fits all".  Thus, the need for many different "platforms" or instructional strategies when it comes to providing STEM education in a Technology Ed classroom.

Knowing your student is essential.  Being flexible is a must.  Thinking quick on your feet is sustainable.

Evaluate the situation and see what works best.  Ultimately, student instruction should lead to learner growth.

CTSOs & Other Student Competitions- Competition Management

It is about that time of the year for students competitions and conferences.  From managing communications with parents, collecting permission slips & fees, juggling practice times, incorporating research opportunities and critiquing products - it can be a daunting task to undertake. 

Often, many actively teaching educators decline considering being a club or competitive event advisor just because of the various duties and time involved. 

Here are six (6) helpful tips:

1. Map out a time line of tasks to complete with alt dates just incase goals are not met when desired is essential.  Keep a checklist and check off what you complete- this is encouraging to you and them-- progress is being made!

2. Keep a folder- electronic and hardcopy of all correspondences is a plus- especially if it is something you plan to do in consecutive years. 

3. On the day of the event - create a "game plan"- listing times, locations and event titles so that time conflicts are easy to address. 

4. Lastly, do not turn down help or donations- you will never ever not need it.  What has worked best for me is having a "game plan" or term used in football- "play book".  Give it also to students in a folder to keep them accountable as well. 

5. Above all- get rest, take time for yourself, and manage your time so that your classroom excels as well. 

6.  Better yet- incorporate some of the events in the classroom- Its a two for one- and all win! 


Best wishes!!

Engagement- What does this really mean?  Many say that in is an indicator that students are learning.  If that is so, how is it evaluated?  When students are working in teams- how do we hold them accountable so that they do not associate it with the opportunity to just observe rather than to actively participate?  One of my solutions include - having a daily checklist of expectations and giving feedback on the checklist has made the difference in my classroom.  Teaching a lesson by first doing an activity that they have already made associations with has helped my students grasp complicated concepts such as what is truly "teaming", what is "design", what is an "innovation", what is "brainstorming",  why do we conduct "research" before developing new products

Any other suggestions?  Please share....

Minority Representation in Robotics

Happy New Year!  New year...new discoveries begin along with revisiting old ones with a goal to conquer them whether its to become more organized, more efficient or build better relationships.  Mine- to be more organized and to achieve goals that still need to be accomplished.  In my reflection I begin to  wonder what will it take to increase female representation in robotics- especially robotics leagues.  Even more, when will our robotic leagues become more culturally and ethnically integrated.    Not just all African American or all Caucasian or all female or all male. I even struggle at times with my after school programs being ethnically diverse and accepting of female contributions. What efforts are being made to do the prior and not just the later.  Perhaps it is in how, where and to whom we market our robotic endeavors to.  Are we making it accessible by removing barriers such as transportation, instructional success so that we are not competing with extra tutoring sessions, or financial support for competitions/leagues?  Are other activities such as boy scouts or basketball competing for our attention? Also, it is how we treat them once they are a member?  Do we give them more support if needed?  Do we build the skills for appreciating other cultures, ethnic groups and genders before they are blended?  All questions may need to be addressed.  We want our groups to best represent industry...or at least model what they should look like.  Not all of one is "it".  Everyone has something to contribute and having a different perspective allows our creations serve a better market place in real world scenarios.  Lets rise up to the challenge.  Lets see how much success is achieved attempting to complete this goal.  If you have any solutions that worked well...please share.  Happy New Year!