What is an Educational Makerspace?
Educational Makerspaces are a space where students can follow their drive for playing, for building, and for learning. Like a traditional makerspace, it allows you to build and create whatever you'd like. Also, they come stocked with a mix of high tech and low tech tools, such spaces may include a workshop with power tools, or 3D printer farms, or the tools to create robots, and circuit boards which help students learn to code. However, unlike a traditional makerspace, Educational Makerspaces have a staff of mentors on site to teach and guide students throught their projects. Mentors offer guidance, direction, and education, but mentors also allow students to take their own direction and make their own decisions.
How do Educational Makerspaces Help Students?
Educational Makerspaces provide a environment where students learn with individualized learning plans based on projects well suited to their skills and interests. Project based learning helps students learn by adding context to what they're learning, and the student can then have portfolio pieces that illustrate their progress. Further, by giving students the freedom to create, it helps build their confidence and a sense of self-direction.
