Jerrid Kruse

Implications of The Nature of Technology for Teaching and Teacher Education

Beyond deeply understanding content and effective teaching strategies, teachers must understand the nature of their discipline as well as the nature of learning (Borko & Putnam, 1996). Genuinely understanding the nature of learning is the foundation for informed decision-making that takes into account students’ struggles and the dynamic classroom context (Clough, Berg & Olson, 2009).

Engaging Students with the Nature of Science and the Nature of Technology by Modeling the Work of Scientists.

Abstract Just as science education is too often limited to the acquisition of facts, technology education is too often limited to proficient use of technology. Neither of these goals fully realize a robust definition of science and technology literacy. To achieve greater science and technology literacy, students must understand the natures of both science and technology (NOST). Through understanding NOST, students can make better-informed personal decisions and participate in critical cultural discourse about the role of science and technology in our lives. This article provides ideas about what students should know about NOST and strategies for engaging students with these difficult ideas.

Promoting Middle School Students’ Understanding of the Nature of Technology

Integration of “21st century skills” into all curricular areas has received much attention. The need for these 21st century skills is often linked to the changing nature of our society and economy due to new technologies. However, the 21st century skills construct is vague and unoriginal to the 21st century. That is, educators have typically sought critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, information literacy, and other common goals for students.