Makerspaces matter : A gateway to 21 century skills 

Makerspaces or coding have transformed our entire education system into innovative space, whereas preparing our students to be lifelong learners and problem solvers by emphasizing on creativity, collaboration, and innovation. They have given students a platform to explore STEAM concepts (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) through various hands-on activities. Going through this week’s readings have given me unique insights about how makerspaces or coding can have a meaningful and lasting impact on students.  

When I was working as an Educator I introduced Makerspace/coding through different project-based activities like simple available materials so that students can actively participate in their learning journey and apply their knowledge to the real world settings. In my science classroom, I allotted students to create models or projects in order to showcase the scientific concepts such as ecosystem projects or circuits. I believe these activities have built up abstract thinking and fosters critical thinking, problem solving skills and the collaboration skills. Moreover, beyond the theoretical knowledge the makerspace/coding teach them how to be resilient and prepare them for the real world challenges they will face in life. 

Considering whether all the students get benefit or not from the makerspace/coding, I would say, it benefits most of the students. As, some students might face barriers because of various factors like lack of confidence or their interest and inequitable access to the resources. During my teaching practice in the rural region of India, I noticed that students who belong to the underprivileged backgrounds were often lacking in the confidence to experiment freely or they have limited access to useful resources. They were more comfortable in structured, teacher-led instruction and found makerspace or coding involved learning pedagogy more intimidating. But later I have observed that the students who were hesitant before were developing confidence and involved actively in the classroom because of the positive motivation and a supportive environment. Thus, this emphasizes on the importance of inclusivity and differentiated support in makerspaces to ensure all students benefit.

In my experience, I have discovered that a makerspace does not really depend on advanced technology or some expensive resources to be effective in the classroom. It requires simple materials like cardboard or charts to give students hands-on exposure to foster creativity, curiosity and active engagement. I remember when I gave my students a project to prepare solar ovens where they used cardboard, aluminium foil and plastic wrap to construct this model. This activity not only taught them about the scientific concept behind the solar oven but also encouraged them to enhance their collaboration and critical thinking skills. 

I am not in favor of this thought that only “techies” can teach makerspaces. Any Educator can teach and integrate makerspace in their teaching practice. I have collaborated with various teachers who were having very little knowledge about the technology or makerspace initially but they were willing to learn and adapt this hands-on approach into their pedagogy to give students a space where they can grow and build 21 century skills over time. 

References :

https://www.trceducation.com/stem-robotics-coding-and-maker-spaces

https://www.raspberrypi.org/app/uploads/2021/11/Teaching-programming-in-schools-pedagogy-review-Raspberry-Pi-Foundation.pdf