A survey on students design decisions in Design and Craft education in Icelandic schools

The research project was carried out in the Icelandic elementary school, in 2009–10. It explored the role of teachers and their understanding for the importance of students’ autonomy in decision-making when they are at age 12–14. The project examined the congruity between decision-making opportunities included in national curricula and how teachers understand the relationship between such curricula and practice. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with teachers in Icelandic elementary schools and from the researchers’ reviews of the national curricula. Findings were compared and conclusions drawn. This study articulates teachers understanding of their practice. The article considers some possible improvements to practice in design decision-making within the Icelandic Design and Craft education. Keywords: method, sloyd, design and craft, interviews, phenomenographyURN:NBN:no-2996