Technology education in Russian schools - the role of 'standards'

The paper examines recent developments in technology education in Russian schools. The new subject grew from the Labour Training of the Soviet educational system. This was geared towards the reproduction of prescribed skills, knowledge and attitudes, as determined by central planners. Although the new subject technology aims in theory at developing children's creativity, the draft standard or curriculum order is still redolent of the old philosophy. However, an alternative design-based, child-centred approach to the subject is being developed by the authors in four regions in Russia. The paper describes and analyses the proposed new curriculum, and contrasts it with other messages being given out by the Federal Ministry of Education. They analyse the responses of teachers who are trying out 'the project approach' in the pilot regions. These teachers want to develop this method, but are inhibited by the status quo. Finally, the paper discusses how realistic this approach is for Russia.