Introduction
“Educational Research and Curriculum Development: The Case for Synergy” is an article that describes the introduction of curriculum development in education. The article was written by David Barlex and Malcolm Welch in 2001 (Barlex & Welch, 2001).
Curriculum Development
The purpose of the study is to investigate the concerns of teachers in their educational practices and the importance of introduction of technology teaching design in the curriculum development in education. Most researchers have failed to conduct research on the needs of practicing teachers. Additionally, researchers have failed to adequately conduct research on curriculum (Barlex & Welch, 2001).
The study was conducted in Queens University in Ontario and it involved 20 teachers.
The researchers conducted research on the integration of technology education in curriculum development. The researchers introduced the technology design in the teaching practice in the curriculum in Queens University. The study involved teachers taking part in the development of the capacity tasks. Similarly, the study was made to participate in the supporting resource tasks. These activities were conducted to determine the materials to be used in curriculum development and implementation (Barlex & Welch, 2001).
The study was evaluated using various methods. These methods include: evaluating by performance specification, by user trip, appropriateness of the technology in the teaching practice and the winners and losers. The findings of the study indicated that the capability task and the resources task enabled teachers to recognize the significance of using technology in classrooms (Barlex & Welch, 2001).
Conclusion
I believe that technology education is an important element in the school curriculum. It involves both the intellectual and practical aspects in the teaching practices. It therefore increases the creativity and the ability for students to effectively solve problems. Additionally, it allows teachers to make rational decisions, make effective plans in their teaching practices. Therefore, technological education is important to students’ education.
References
Barlex, D., & Welch, M. (2001). Educational research and curriculum development: The case for synergy. Journal of Design & Technology Education, 6(1).