Reimagining Equitable Learning Spaces for Latinx Elementary and Middle School Students Through a Robotics Program

• In Event: Rethinking Learning and Access in Community-Based Contexts

Abstract

A humanistic approach to learning and design centered in a social design experimentation methodology (Gutiérrez, 2016; Gutiérrez & Jurow, 2016) was used to describe an Out-of-school-time STEM learning environment for bilingual Latinx participants. Data collected include videotapes, informal interviews and chat sessions with participants, written products, and researcher's reflective journal and notes. The research questions guiding this study included 1) In what way does the development of an afterschool First LEGO League (FLL) program foster an ecology of learning centered on equity? 2) How does a FLL afterschool program re-imagine and strengthen connections between learning and engagement in community spaces to disrupt systemic inequality? Findings suggest that learning environments created and sustained by all stakeholders fosters resilience and success.

Authors

• Rachel G. Salas, University of Nevada Reno

• Lizeth Lizarraga