Perceptions of teachers, guidance personnel and adminstrators at Badger High School of technology and technology education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of teachers, guidance personnel and administrators at Badger High School of technology and technology education. All teachers, guidance personnel and administrators were given the opportunity to participate in a descriptive survey which asked about their perceptions of technology and technology education. The study examined the perceptions of the American public in areas of comfort with technology, beliefs in its importance to society, the need for students to understand technology and the way in which technology literacy should be provided. The descriptive survey of Badger's teachers, guidance personnel and administrators was based on a survey done in 2002 by the International Technology Education Association. The results of the survey were collected, analyzed and reported. Differences between different demographics were reported as well as differences between Badger teachers, guidance personnel and administrators and the results for the American public as a whole. The results of the study indicated general agreement on most issues between the different demographics at Badger and the American public as a whole. There was almost unanimous agreement at Badger about the importance of technology for the future of the country. The respondents also were nearly unanimous in there support for technology education for students. The delivery methods of technology education produced some interesting results. Almost all believed the study of technology should be integrated with other subjects and 67% agreed it should be required. The recommendations of the study are to inform the Badger staff that their views are very similar when it comes to technology and technology education, strong beliefs in the importance of technology and technology education were demonstrated, and integrating technology education with other areas was strongly supported. Badger staff also indicated that they feel they have an effect on future student class enrollment so it is important that they realize the effect they are having on students' education choices. The study also determined an area where further study is recommended. The issue of how technology education is integrated and delivered showed the potential for further study.