The aim of this thesis is to explore the meaning of technical knowing in primary technology education. This is done by identifying and describing ways of knowing in relation to specific content (so-called objects of learning) of the school subject of technology. The purpose is to contribute to the body of teachers’ professional knowledge concerning primary technology education. In this thesis, the subject of technology is seen as representing technical knowledge traditions, characterized by specific ways of developing knowledge. Moreover, the knowledge is to a great extent embedded in actions. This perspective on technical knowing challenges the traditional distinction between theoretical and practical knowledge.  

Data were generated through two Learning studies conducted in primary schools.  Learning study is a classroom-based, interventionistic research approach, in which teachers collaborate with a researcher, focusing on specific objects of learning, that is, on what the students are supposed to learn. In the studies, the capability to evaluate the fitness for purpose of technical solutions, and to construct a linkage mechanism allowing for transferring and transforming movement were examined. Students’ actions were video-recorded in order to document verbal and physical expressions of knowing.

The data were analysed using phenomenographic analysis, resulting in descriptions of specific ways of knowing in terms of complexity, as well as critical aspects to discern in order to develop the knowing. The findings from the first study describe knowing in terms of discerning functions related to different types of users, as well as aspects of the construction in order to realize functions. The second study identified technical knowing as a specified analysis of the construction in terms of location and separation of joints in relation to different functions. These findings were then used to identify technical knowing in video material generated within another teaching context. The results suggest that knowledge concerning knowing of specific objects of learning related to the evaluation and construction of technical solutions is partly generalizable. In addition, the specified knowledge concerning the meaning of the object of learning generated during the Learning study process was described. This knowledge is suggested to be an important knowledge product of Learning studies.