The teaching of ergonomics in schools

Andree Woodcock, Howard Denton

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceedingpeer-review

    Abstract

    The relationship between ergonomics and the disciplines it informs has always been tenuous. Woodcock and Galer Flyte (1997) hypothesized that teaching ergonomics in schools would lead to a greater acceptance and willingness to learn and use ergonomics techniques during tertiary education and once in professional practice. This paper discusses the relationship between ergonomics and design, and considers the teaching of ergonomics in secondary schools. Preliminary results of surveys conducted with first year undergraduates to investigate the teaching of ergonomics they received at both 'GCSE' and 'A' level are presented which indicate that most ergonomics education occurred, as expected, in design and technology courses, but was also present, though patchy, in other disciplines.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationContemporary Ergonomics 1984-2008
    Subtitle of host publicationSelected Papers and an Overview of the Ergonomics Society Annual Conference
    EditorsPhillip Bust
    Place of PublicationLondon
    PublisherTaylor and Francis
    Pages484-489
    Number of pages6
    Edition1
    ISBN (Electronic)9780429110153
    ISBN (Print)9780415804349
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2009

    Publication series

    NameContemporary Ergonomics 1984-2008: Selected Papers and an Overview of the Ergonomics Society Annual Conference

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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