The Identification and Location of Critical Thinking and Critiquing in Design and Technology Education

This chapter considers how critical thinking and critique are an essential part of design and technology education. By drawing upon a theoretical framework of three main theories, critical theory, critical pedagogy and critical design, the chapter will explore how engaging in a process of critical thinking leading to critique facilitates agency and self-understanding when engaged in design activities.
Through drawing upon theories of psychology, sociology, politics and philos- ophy, the formation of epistemological beliefs and robust decision-making will be explored. The chapter concludes by identifying how the ‘escape hatch’ from reproduction of orthodox practices and thinking can be opened through engaging in critical and metacognitive decision-making processes.