Secondary Students' Perceptions of the Affordances and Challenges of a Formal Makerspace

• In Event: Cognitive and Motivational Processes in Project-Based Learning Environments

Abstract

Despite the emergence of makerspaces in informal settings, relatively little research focuses on students’ perceptions of their experiences within formal makerspaces, or makerspaces within schools. This single case study explores secondary students’ perceptions of their learning experiences in a formal makerspace from a positive youth development perspective. Student reflections and interviews were collected and analyzed. Results indicate that students recognized systemic challenges in traditional learning and personal challenges in autonomy and collaboration when working in a formal makerspace, and they considered their teacher to be a mentor and source of emotional support within a formal makerspace. Our findings can inform future research on formal makerspaces as well as provide insight into student perspectives for makerspace designers and teachers to consider.

Author

• Sarah Lilly, University of Virginia
  Presenting Author