Students' attitudes towards technology in the context of Finnish, Slovenian, Estonian and Icelandic technology education

The research is based on a comparative study of craft and technology education curriculums and students‟ attitudes towards craft and technology in Finland, Slovenia, Estonia and Iceland. The study was undertaken by the Helsinki University, University of Ljubljana, University of Tallinn and University of Iceland during years 2012-2015. A literature review was completed, in order to examine and compare the curriculums of craft and technology education in Finland, Slovenia, Estonia and Iceland. In addition, a quantitative survey was subsequently distributed to 864 school students. It consisted of 14 questions, which aimed to ascertain students‟ attitudes towards craft and technology. The survey showed substantial differences in students‟ attitudes towards craft and technology education among the four countries. Estonian boys had the most positive attitude towards technology, whereas the lowest attitude was found among Slovenian girls. The difference between boys and girls was definitely the smallest in Iceland. These differences may be explained by differences in the national curriculums, the different pedagogical traditions and cultural differences in the field of technology.Peer reviewe