The Problem in Technology Education (A Definite Article)

The Problem in Technology Education (A Definite Article) found in the Journal of Technology Education  Vol. 21 No. 2 in the spring of 2010 was an interesting article written by Jim Flowers.  Flowers spends a lot of time talking about the word "the".   I have used italics with my "the-s" to show how the word "falsely imply uniqueness".  This article was a bit "out there" and I was greatly disappointed with it.  The article ran on pages 10-20, but Flowers didn't even get to the technology part until the bottom of page 13. Flower's problem in technology all stems from the word "the" and how it leaves the learner with the idea that there is no other way or it is the only way.  As he states, "If I teach students 'The definition of technology is...' it conveys something different than had I said, ' A definition for technology is...'."

As I mentioned earlier, this article was "out there".  I almost felt like I was reading one of Dr. Wall's articles she picks that we have to critique.  This one is perfect for her to use.  It is true that the word "the" can imply one thing and not another, but do we really believe that if I say, "I love the scarf around your neck!" means I only love that scarf?  Unless an educator stresses the word in a phrase, "This is the answer for number 4!" Then I don't believe students are closed minded and only zero in on the word "the".  Man I hope this wasn't too confusing, but I did leave the article with a *sigh* and "ok, here goes nothing" feeling.