The selection of fabrication materials for design and technology in Botswana

In its development, Design and Technology in Botswana has had to struggle with its past. The subject developed from the traditional craft subjects of Woodwork, Metalwork, etc., which are basically materials orientated. Design and Technology also uses materials as a means to achieving most of its goals. These craft subjects were regarded as dumping sites for students thought to be not intelligent. Students, parents, and society resigned to this belief, and came to regard anything linked to these subjects as below normal school standards. The "Report of the National Commission on Education" has recommended Design and Technology be made compulsory in Community Junior Secondary Schools, underlining its importance in coping with industrial change. It is suggested that the subject should now take the challenge of re-establishing the importance of materials, including indigenous materials, since one of the strengths of the subject is the selection and manipulation of easily available materials when solving problems. This paper analyses the conflicting curriculum issues in the search for a workable teaching programme for Botswana.