Taking Risks as a Feature of Creativity in the Teaching and Learning of Design and Technology

This article considers the nature of risk taking a nd its determinants in relation to teaching and learning design and technology in secondary schools. It is informed by research into the contribution that creativity makes to design and technology education, including an analysis of the risks that teachers and students take when working within a domain. Design activity can require a creative leap to realise acceptable solutions, which are valued by clients and customers. This process involves taking risks with the use of materials, with the development of processes and with those people who fund development work and clients. In design and technology education the risks are different. Legal responsibilities for products that students create are limited in relation to their effectiveness. Risks taken by teachers are mainly governed by the need for students to achieve success in their lea