Debatten om slöjd - Hur professioner och vårdnadshavare inom skolan förhåller sig till slöjdämnets plats och status

Abstract

In the Swedish school, students study 17 compulsory subjects, crafts (wood, metal and textiles) being one of these subjects. This compulsory subject is under debate. The debate has been ongoing for some time in varying strengths, in different contexts, especially in the media. The purpose of this study was to investigate how professionals in the school and guardians relate to the craft subject. Based on the above purpose, the following research questions have been asked: ● What knowledge do professionals in the school and guardians have about the subject of crafts in today's school? ● What are the opinions of professionals in the school and guardians regarding the subject crafts? To answer the purpose of the study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. As a qualitative method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four chairmen of the Children and Education Committee in four municipalities, heads of education in four municipalities and eight principals in four municipalities. As a quantitative method, teachers from two F-9 schools who do not teach the subject crafts, as well as guardians took part in a survey conducted using Google forms. The study “ The craft debate - How the teaching professions and the students guardians relate to the subject crafts regarding its status and necessity” showed that there is an unawareness concerning the content of crafts as a subject. Despite this most teachers, guardians, and others in management positions within schools believe that the subject crafts should continue to be compulsory. To support the subject, there is a need for more information around the content and goals obtained through the study of crafts, both within schools and at home. More research is needed, to raise awareness of the content and enhance the status of the subject crafts.