Page 7 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Technological Education, 2009 (revised)

THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | Technological Education
Technological education promotes the integration of learning across subject disciplines.
For example, when students design a product, they explore the social or human need that the product addresses (social science), the scientific principles involved in its design and construction (science), its dimensions and shape (mathematics), and the aesthetic qualities of its design (the arts). When they assess the impact that new technologies have had – or may have – on society, students are exploring historical or current events. When they con- sider how various technologies affect health and physical well-being, they are looking into aspects of health and physical education. Students apply business principles to the study of the production and marketing of products. They apply literacy skills to communicate design ideas, produce reports summarizing technological projects, and write instructions for the use of the products they create. Technological education also helps students develop research skills and fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. In addition, in its emphasis on innovation to meet human needs, it encourages global citizenship and pro- motes social, economic, and environmental awareness.
Subject matter from any course in technological education can be combined with subject matter from one or more courses in other disciplines to create an interdisciplinary course. The policies and procedures regarding the development of interdisciplinary courses are outlined in the interdisciplinary studies curriculum policy document.
The secondary school technological education curriculum is designed to build on the foundation of knowledge and skills provided by the elementary science and technology curriculum, particularly in its Understanding Structures and Mechanisms strand. In this continuum, there is a similar emphasis on foundational knowledge and skills (funda- mentals), technological problem-solving skills and processes, and the relationship between technology, the environment, and society.
THE GOALS OF TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION
The fundamental purpose of the technological education program is to provide students with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enhance their ability to achieve success in secondary school, the workplace, postsecondary education or training, and daily life.
The goals of the technological education curriculum are to enable students to:
gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying technological education;
achieve the level of technological competence they will need in order to succeed in their postsecondary education or training programs or in the workplace;
develop a creative and flexible approach to problem solving that will help them
address challenges in various areas throughout their lives;
develop the skills, including critical thinking skills, and the knowledge of strategies required to do research, conduct inquiries, and communicate findings accurately, ethically, and effectively;
develop lifelong learning habits that will help them adapt to technological advances in the changing workplace and world;
make connections that will help them take advantage of potential postsecondary educational and work opportunities.
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