Concept mapping: a tool to analyse the development of a technology teachers’ professional identity

The advancement of a student’s professional identity as a Technology Teacher is essential to grasping Technology education and framing future Technology education research.The aim of this research is to examine the professional identity transition that occurs for students’ over the course of a technology teacher education pre-service program and to determine the factors that contribute to a successful transition. It will examine the student’s initial identity as a trade worker, trace their identity, knowledge, skill, values and attitudes developed during their first course in a Technology Teacher pre service university program.This study uses concept mapping as a way to examine the professional identity change of Technology students moving from a technical/trade worker to a Technology teacher. This study suggests that a student’s tertiary education should be focused on them developing their identity as a professional Technology teacher. The influences on the development of this identity, both positively and negatively, will direct future research in Technology education.