Slovakia 5th Grade Curriculum - Technical Education

Technology Education

Since 2008, schools in Slovakia have had flexibility in adapting their curricula to meet specific needs, while adhering to the content and performance standards set for each subject. Technology education, taught for one hour per week in grades 5-9, is divided into two main subject areas: Technology and Household Economics. At least two-thirds of the total teaching time must be dedicated to Technology, with the remaining time allocated to Household Economics.

5th Grade Focus:

• Technology: The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and knowledge, encouraging cognitive processes like exploration, design, experimentation, and construction. Common thematic units include utilitarian and gift items, often taking up a significant portion of the teaching time (35-67%).
• Household Economics: Thematic units in this area vary considerably between schools. Common topics include handwork, housework and household maintenance, and planning and household management. Some schools may also include field trips to local businesses related to these topics.

Curriculum Reform:

The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sports of the Slovak Republic has been working on curriculum reform for primary and secondary education. While there has been a push for technical education, student interest in technically-oriented subjects remains a challenge. Studies indicate a preference for practical, hands-on activities, suggesting a need for teaching methods that incorporate such activities.