Worlds of Making Book Review
This is a quick read and a great place to start when planning this kind of project. Laura has a great website full of resources HERE.
Here are my thoughts, notes, and key takeaways:
Ch. 1 The Maker Movement
A Makerspace is not just about the physical space - it is about moving from consumption to creation in education. Students are empowered to own their learning in an environment where doing is what matters. It is not the physical space - it is the creative mindset.
Ch. 2 Planning Your Makerspace
This section explored the idea of developing a theme for your makerspace. Some suggested themes are robotics, 3-D Printing / Design, Hacking and Coding, or Engineering. The theme is what should drive decisions about purchasing tools and materials. No two makerspaces are the same - the space should be developed with the input of the school community and be designed around their needs and interests. This chapter also mentions the importance of not being afraid of purchasing items that are new to you.
Ch. 3 Setting Up Your Makerspace
Things to consider: storage, power supply & electric outlets, wifi, flexible seating and work tables.
The makerspace should be viewed as the students' space. If a permanent space is not available, consider a pop-up makerspace on a moveable cart - This is what the makerspace will look like at my school - at least to start.
Ch. 4 Creating a Maker Culture in Your School
"allow creating to make its ways into the mindset of the students, educators, and families within the school."
foster a genuine culture of risk taking and welcome failure - this goes for students and educators
Ch. 5 Makerspaces and the Standards
Makerspaces are a place where students are able to develop many of the skills outlined in the standards at one time. Activities can be designed to align with the standards, but they don't always have to be teacher-led.
Ch. 6 The "Expert" Maker
Reach out to the community to bring in expert makers to inspire and work with the students. Help students realize real world applications and blur the line between the school and the community.
Ch. 7 Makerspaces and the School Library
Libraries can be a great space to transform - especially at middle and high schools where more research is being done online and not in books. Libraries can become a "learning metropolis" and not just a quiet room full of dusty books and void of students.
Ch. 8 Makerspaces as a Unique Learning Environment
Meaningful learning is encouraged with self-directed, collaborative, and teacher-directed experiences. The line between teacher and learner should be blurred.
Ch. 9 Showcasing Your Students Creations
Students achievements should be showcased, and this can happen in a multitude of ways. Maker Fair's can be physical events or held online. Teachers should tweet photos of their students' work at #worldsofmaking.
makerfaire.com - "the greatest show and tell on Earth"
Ch. 10 Makerspaces as Catalysts for Future Change
The US is falling behind in Math and Science - the maker movement and STEM education allow opportunities for students to explore and develop their talents in these areas and gain exposure to potential jobs in these fields.
Ch. 11 School Leaders
School leaders must focus on developing a culture where it is okay to take risks - only then will teachers be willing to make changes and truly become innovative. Leaders also need to realize that not all learning can or should be tied to traditional assessment.
Comments
Post a Comment