A history of manual training in Queensland: 1885-1970

Waltisbuhl, Alan Stewart (1995). A history of manual training in Queensland: 1885-1970 PhD Thesis, Graduate School of Education, The University of Queensland.

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Author Waltisbuhl, Alan Stewart
Thesis Title A history of manual training in Queensland: 1885-1970
School, Centre or Institute Graduate School of Education
Institution The University of Queensland
Publication date 1995
Thesis type PhD Thesis
Total pages 584
Language eng
Subjects 210303 Australian History (excl. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History)
13 Education
Formatted abstract The following historical research centres on the development of Manual Training in Queensland while at the same time focusing on the hypothesis that the major forces of influence on curriculum change within the subject area have been from internal rather than external sources.

The research has been divided into three sections which relate to significant phases in the history of Manual Training in Queensland. Section A, 1885 to 1909, discusses The Foundation Years during which the subject was introduced to Queensland through the technical college movement. Section B, 1910 to 1932, covers the years of consolidation which saw the firm establishment of Manual Training into the State education system. Section C, 1933 to 1970, examines the fluctuating fortunes of Manual Training and the changes which occurred due to the expansion of secondary education.

Manual Training, a form of practical education centring on the use of tools and materials, was first introduced to Queensland in 1885 by the School of Arts Movement. This private provider of early technical classes evolved into the Technical Education Branch of the Department of Public Instruction which nurtured and supported Manual training in its early primitive form. It was later refined, developed and promoted by prominent technical education administrators and soon spread throughout the State.

Direct Departmental involvement was limited during the early years of its existence but increased substantially with the establishment of Rural Schools, Vocational Centres and Travelling Schools during the period 1917-1932. While most of this early development took place in the primary sector secondary Manual training also had its beginning in technical education. A Day School for post primary students was established in the Central Technical College and over a period of 12 years it evolved into a Technical High School. This later became the Industrial High School which provided a model of Industrial courses for the emerging State high schools.

By the 1960's, changes in the structure of the school system heralded the demise of primary Manual Training but also the expansion of secondary Manual Training. The most significant changes which occurred during this latter part of the study included the establishment of a Manual Training teachers association, the appointment of specialist inspectors, changes to the teacher training program and the expansion of the secondary industrial courses.

While there were external pressures for curriculum change, and in some instances these changes were adopted, the research has shown that they were minimal. The internal influences were the dominant ones and these came mainly from administrators who were strong advocates of Manual Training.

The research, which has drawn extensively from primary sources, attempts to fill a gap in the historical records of education in Queensland and in so doing provides an insight into the past and a measure of understanding of the present.
Keyword Manual training -- Study and teaching -- Queensland -- History
Industrial arts -- Study and teaching -- Queensland -- History
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