WHYÂ MAKERSPACES?
Why should teachers implement makerspaces with their classes? Teachers and researchers have found that students benefit in many ways when they have regular access to a makerspace. Teachers are tasked with educating students for the fast paced ever changing future, where we are not even sure what kinds of technological advances may happen or what new fields will be created. Focusing on 21st Century skills (creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication) and social emotional learning are key.
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The top 5 reasons include:
1) Makerspaces are rooted in Constructivist Theory.
2) Makerspaces foster divergent thinking.
3) Makerspaces are places for students to learn, develop and practice the skills of collaboration and communication.
3) Makerspaces have been proven to enhance social emotional learning and problem solving
4) Makerspaces engage reluctant learners.
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Learn more below.
1) CONSTRUCTIVIST THEORY
Makerspaces are in line with the educational theory of Constructivism. Psychologist Jean Piaget is famous for saying that '"we learn best by doing". Seymour Papet, responsible for the theory of constructivism stated that "the role of the teacher is to create the conditions for invention rather than provide ready-made knowledge." Makerspaces are both these things: hands on and set the conditions for the active discovery of knowledge.
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Makerspace For Education has an excellent page covering how makerspaces fit within a constructivist framework. Included is a brief overview and several videos.
2) DIVERGENT THINKING - THE CAPCITY FOR CREATIVITY
There are lots of reports from teachers, teacher librarians and bloggers of how makerspaces increase creativity. This is also supported in the literature. Two examples of studies where creativity was measured and showed increase after participants engaged in maker projects are: Caballero (et al. 2018), Austin 2017
But, what exactly is the definition of creativity? In the video to the left, John Spencer explains why he believes that we would benefit from a bigger definition of what creativity is. It is more than just making things, as 'creative types' do. Students need to see this if they are to become the innovative problem solvers that the world needs.
3) COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION
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Makerspaces are a place of collaboration.
Jeff Stuges talks briefly about how collaboration occurs in a makerspace. He says that makerspaces involve having more experienced makers work alongside and teach those who have interest in learning that new skill. For example, Sturges talks about how a young girl teaches others to solder and how access to a makerspace allows a young musician to practice and then win a music contest. Makerspaces also foster community by providing a common purpose: making. Sturges offers examples of how makerspaces have had a positive effect on the community of Detroit.
4) PROBLEM SOLVING AND GROWTH MINDSET
In a study by Vongkulluksn (et al. 2021) they compared the stages of the design process with growth mindset intervention strategies that have been proven to enhance a students' growth mindset. The comparison found that the stages in the design process are very similar to proven growth mindset interventions. They believe that this is the reason that students who participate in makerspace activities have shown enhanced growth mindset.
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This video from Edutopia shows an elementary makerspace in action and gives an overview of how students learn many skills at one time when engaging in maker projects.
5) MAKERSPACES CAN ENCOURAGE RELUCTANT LEARNERS
Makerspaces provide choice to students and choice is motivating. It has been proven that providing choice increases motivation to learn. Judy Willis, a former teacher turned neurologist, explains that the brain chemical dopamine, promotes intrinsic motivation. Dopamine provides a rush when we've achieved a goal and is linked to intrinsic motivation. Dopamine is produced when people are given choice.
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John Spencer stated during an interview, that he has found that students prize the time they have in a makerspace and are so engaged that there is no reason to rebel.