Concept of knowledge in technology education: a cross-cultural perspective

This paper reports on the result of a cross-cultural study conducted in three countries Russia, UK and Australia with the aim to examine the interpretations of the concept of knowledge in Technology Education (TE). It is based on the interviews with educators from those countries. The results are grouped in several themes which are considered as a context for examining the concept of knowledge. The paper discusses key factors influencing the development of the concept, including the difference in cultural and educational tradition and the difference in understanding technology as a phenomenon in the society. Encyclopaedic tradition in Russia and early specialisation in UK, for example, play an important role in developing the concept of knowledge. On the basis of interviews and theoretical analysis two questions, crucial for the further examining of the concept of knowledge, are considered: What is the relationship between technology as a phenomenon and technology education? and What are the aims of technology education?