Searching for ways to encourage girls to study technology in primary education

2011

Introduction: Equality and non-discrimination must be actively promoted as part of education, guidance and school culture while also dismantling practices that prevent equality. All pupils must be provided with equal opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills required in society and working life. (Ministry of Education and Culture, 2010.) Traditionally craft as a school subject in Finland has been divided into technical work and textile work, and pupils have to choose which content area to study after grade 4. Boys have mainly chosen to study technical and girls textile craft. National Framework Curricula (1994 and 2004) and the Committee on Alleviation of Segregation (2010) advocate…