A Comparative Study on the Curriculum for Technology Teachers in Japan and Paraguay

抄録

The present study reports the results of a comparative analysis performed on technology teacher curricula implemented in specialized institutions from Japan and Paraguay. Documentary research and interviews with key informants were selected as data collection measures and a qualitative version of the four step procedure developed by George Z. F. Bereday: (including description, interpretation, juxtaposition and comparison of research data) was applied as organizing framework. Results reveal common problems facing the training of technology teachers: the lack of specialized instructors, the broad diversity of contents, the costly infrastructure, the low rate of female students and the low status of the field as compared to other curricular areas. Contextual differences in social, historical, cultural and psychological conditions were found to influence structural features of the training; while a set of corresponding principles were identified directing formative efforts. Findings are expected to strengthen collaborative efforts to improve technology teacher preparation programs from a cross-cultural perspective.