Most Students are fond of decorating and even designing. With the advancement of technology, the students must not only be exposed to multimedia but to the art of designing and learning as they take the challenge of realizing a solution.
Nowadays, students are given a design challenge as to come up with solution. With design and technology, it is expected that students may work with a variety of technologies. As such, it may either be delivered by Home Economics or Industrial Arts Faculty.
Industrial Arts is an umbrella term originally conceived in the late 19th century to describe educational programs which featured fabrication of objects in wood and/or metal using a variety of hand, power, or machine tools greatly exposed students to a variety of industrial and engineering technologies that improve their understanding of the industrial and engineering world. Students therefore learn both design principles and project management.
Graphics technology, design and Technology and Industrial Technology comprise Industrial Arts which build understanding and greater significance on the part of students’ learning and real life application. Theories and industry practices relevant to technology should also be given emphasis for the success of project management.
According to Joe Sipper(1994), Industrial Arts has been more and more non-existent. The mantra at the time was to prepare every child for college and/or the world of information. Stigmas abound for “shop” kids such as not being “college material”.
The irony is that Industrial Arts is an area where learning is not confined to getting a job for a non-college bound student, but abounds in lessons in Trigonometry, Engineering, Geometry, Chemistry, and Physics. There is also opportunity for time/materials management and Economics.
Other studies have shown evidence that science and math knowledge and skill are enhanced when taught in an Industrial Arts setting compared to traditional classes. Most of these studies were conducted in Europe. A new way of thinking about Industrial Arts may help in a nationwide trend of slumping science and math performance. Some of the reasons speculated for the improvements are increased time on task due to interest and the concrete application of the concepts.
With the help of Bloom’s Taxonomy, the Industrial Arts teachers are being reminded of the components of the project involvement having synthesis of a solution and evaluation as final/finished product.
With students involvement in designing and making projects relevant to the context being studied, the country is expected to cater manual craftsmanship, machine safety, home repair, small engine repair, automobile maintenance and other related works.
The Industrial Arts teachers therefore continuously inspire each student to gear onward unity for sharing their knowledge in terms of students enhancement in the field of Arts, Technology and exploration.
By: CHRISTINE T. RODRIGUEZ | Teacher II | Samal NHS-Main | Samal, Bataan
