The STEM initiative: The makerspace and Its influence on transforming teaching and learning in a middle school setting
John Martinez · ThinkTech (Texas Tech University) · 2020
The makerspace movement has played an integral role in disrupting education over the past 15 years. With more and more schools embracing this innovative experience, educational leaders must be knowledgeable about the impact this resource can play in transforming the teaching and learning experiences for our schools. Campus leadership teams who wish to prepare students for an ever-evolving work force must help today’s teachers integrate makerspace activities into the learning experiences of a classroom. Students are hungry for active, hands-on learning opportunities which is not readily accessible in schools. Teachers who do not know how to utilize technology only hinder the learning experiences for our children. Utilizing a targeted professional development concept can help to further the makerspace and STEM initiative that is being embraced by the learning profession. This research study was completed by using a design-based approach through an insider action research model. The co-designers (campus principal and librarian) developed a targeted professional development workshop which was hosted during a three-hour workshop. Four volunteer teachers actively participated in the workshop and implemented the design concepts in their lessons to illustrate how effectively and efficiently project-based learning and makerspace activities can be utilized in the classroom. A pre- and post-survey was provided to the participants in order to gain insight into their knowledge of the makerspace and the overall effectiveness of the professional development in relation to instructional practices and student engagement. The study found that through developing a targeted professional development utilizing the innovative resources of a makerspace teachers are able to develop lessons focused on 21st century instructional best practices. Through the study, teachers enhanced their growth mindset and increased student engagement was evident.