Textile Technologies in STEM Education

What role do Textile Technologies play in STEM education? (Spendlove and Barlex, Des Technol Educ Int J 16(1):4, 2011) concur that: “textiles as a subject remains an underrepresented area within STEM discussions”. Research literature in Design and Technologies education indicates that relatively few educators are using Textiles in STEM projects or interventions apart from Electronic Textiles (e-textiles). Why is the perceived role of Textiles as a discipline in education devolving in inverse proportion to the expanding role Textile technologies play in a global economy? In 2011, Hughes et al. stated that: “it is essential that design and technology textiles education is underpinned by STEM-based teaching and learning” to “reduce the practice gap between the design and technology curriculum and the needs of the textile/design manufacturing industry”. Considering these questions, this chapter aims: to explore potential applications for Textiles in STEM that can be used by educators; consider the potential value of these applications in relation to evolving conceptual frameworks for STEM; reflect upon how Textiles in STEM can foster “genuine design-based interaction” (Williams, Des Technol Educ Int J 16(1):32, 2011) and increase students self-efficacy.