“AT- RISK STUDENTS AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION:

A QUALITATIVE STUDY.
(CARDON, 2000)
This study was conducted in the form of case study. In essence, it employed the
use of participant- observation qualitative research as its methodology. To
achieve this, a pilot study was conducted with a view of developing observation
techniques. This was also done to develop observation questions for the study.
Data collected was in the form of participant observation as well as interviews.
The study was therefore conducted by use of interactive methods of data
collection however, it is also important to note that non-interactive methods
were also utilized while sourcing for evidences of study. The instruments were
developed from literature review as well as from the pre-study. Data was
measured through use of evaluation programs. For instance, data was evaluated
using software with the capability of compiling data based on themes. In this
regard, three groups of theories came up namely the principle of problem solving
theory, the principle of constructing knowledge as well as the principle of hands-
on education. Given that the study was theoretically based, consistencies were
found from analysis of evidence from the study. This was true for all the
categories namely problem solving, building of knowledge and practical learning.
However, it is instrumental to that finding from the first category (problem
solving) were not as consistent as the others were. Nonetheless, it demonstrated
the need for studying concepts such as processes, planning and materials. On the
other hand, findings from the second category (construction of knowledge) were
consistent in all the participants. In fact, it helped at-risk students to have a better
understanding of concepts concerning processes, planning and materials. It is also
important to note that further evaluation of evidences concerning the theories
found that only the second and third categories were consistent with the theories
provided. Discrepancy was evidenced in two learners surveyed for the technology
education as well as three learners surveyed for transportation/power/energy
course.
This study was aimed to examining the relationship between at-risk students and
technology education. It was also aimed at addressing two main research
questions. One of these included the reason why at-risk students wanted to enroll
in courses related to technology education. The second was how these students
respondent to the programme. It can be noted that studies conducted utilized
purposeful sampling for better quality of result. In addition, it utilized participant
observation, interviews, and evidence documentation to ascertain data. Results
were impressive since at-risk students responded positively to the study
questions. It is also important to note that this qualitative paper was designed in
form of a case study.