The modern classroom reflects global society with a diverse population and a variety of learning styles. A new maker movement has come about that allows students to create, collaborate and experiment in this modern classroom. These classrooms are often called maker classrooms, maker spaces, or by similar names.
How Do Classroom Design and Student Creativity Improve Student Engagement?
There are many factors in students’ lives that may affect their engagement, such as socioeconomic factors, personal issues or overall health. Numerous studies have analyzed which school and classroom factors most influence students’ learning. Studies show that a classroom focused on experiences, such as those in a maker classroom, notably improves student learning and engagement.
Master’s Degree in Educational Technology Leadership
Educators interested in leading and integrating technology into their campuses can secure the training they need with an online Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership degree. Technology has become a key element in any effective classroom, and teachers must continue learning about innovation to stay ahead of the curve. Programs like these can offer teachers cutting-edge approaches to educating their students, including ideas like makerspace environments. Students are learning at many different ability levels, and teachers must be ready to accommodate those needs.
How to Create a Maker Classroom
First, teachers should look at their classroom aspirations, including learning goals and subject planning. After aligning all goals, teachers can begin implementing a maker classroom by reflecting upon their own strengths and deciding how to integrate them into hands-on learning experiences. Teachers can complement their strengths with adjustments to their curriculum in accordance with best teaching practices.
In today’s classroom, it is essential that districts and classrooms try a variety of approaches to reach as many as students as possible. Hands-on learning, like the experiences available in a makerspace classroom, is key to student engagement.
Learn more about the Lamar University online M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership program.
Sources:
Edutopia: Re-Making Education — Designing Classroom Makerspaces for Transformative Learning
Steelcase Education: How Classroom Design Affects Student Engagement
