The Impact of Makerspace Classrooms in Early Education
Society has become increasingly reliant on technology. However, many of our schools are falling behind with outdated and old buildings that no longer fit the needs of the 21st century. Children are learning in a variety of ways that have outgrown the classic desk-and-lecture format.
As we push forward towards the future of technology it’s essential that our educational spaces evolve to meet the needs of an ever changing society. One of the ways we do this is through the integration of makerspaces in schools and classrooms.
Table of Contents
What is a Makerspace Lab?
Benefits of Makerspace in Early Education
Makerspace Classrooms Assist in Developing Problem-Solving Skills
Fostering Creativity + Innovation
Enhancing STEM Skills through Makerspace Technology
Developing Collaboration and Communication Skills
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Preparing for the Future with Makerspace Classrooms
What is a Makerspace Lab?
Makerspaces are collaborative learning environments that provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore, create, and experiment with a variety of tools, materials, and technologies. They offer a diverse range of experiences that can have a significant impact on a child's development in K-8 schools.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of makerspace technology on a child's development and how they can help prepare students for success in the future.
Benefits of Makerspace in Early Education
Makerspace Classrooms Assist in Developing Problem-Solving Skills
Students are never too young to start learning, experimenting, designing, and exploring. Makerspace labs in schools and classrooms allow children at any age to have the opportunity to challenge themselves and develop problem-solving skills through age-appropriate hands-on activities. They give students the opportunity to reinforce their understanding of complex concepts in a practical way through application and experimentation.
Makerspace classrooms often provide students with access to a variety of tools, materials, and technologies, which enables them to experiment and explore a range of different solutions to a problem. By collaborating with peers to work through the process of trial and error, students develop their ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information. Furthermore, these experiences help to build resilience and confidence, as students learn that failure is not a final outcome but rather an opportunity to learn from and improve upon.
Fostering Creativity + Innovation
Most people think of makerspaces as exclusively geared towards STEM. Did you know they also help to foster creativity and innovation? Makerspaces in schools and education gives students the opportunity to express their creativity through developing and testing their ideas, designs, and styles with new technology and materials.
Enhancing STEM Skills through Makerspace Technology
Many schools focus on math and science. Subjects are taught through lectures and very minimal hands-on activities. Makerspaces bring these subjects to life with the integration of technology and engineering as well as provides students with the opportunity to engage in STEM-related learning experiences.
From conception to real life, students can bring their ideas into existence and apply the scientific, mathematical, technological, or engineering concepts they learned in the classroom with hands-on activities.
Developing Collaboration and Communication Skills
Makerspace labs help to develop collaboration and communication skills from an early age. By working on projects in a team environment, students from early on, learn to communicate effectively with their peers, develop teamwork skills, communication, and learn to share responsibility for the success of the project. They also give students the opportunities to develop leadership qualities that they can use throughout their lives.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
According to Time Magazine, “self-esteem first begins to rise between ages 4 and 11, as children develop socially and cognitively, and gain some sense of independence”. Makerspaces in classrooms can be critical in helping children develop their confidence and self-esteem with their peers and within a public setting.
By providing students with the opportunity to be creative and test out their ideas, they are able to learn and see the success of their hard work. It provides students with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and talents by completing projects and sharing them with their peers. Students will gain a sense of pride in their work as well as the new and fun shared experiences with their peers which will help to build a positive self-image.
Preparing for the Future with Makerspace Classrooms
As you can see, makerspace labs bring students more than the opportunity to enhance their STEM skills. They also foster collaboration, creativity, build confidence and collaboration/teamwork skills. Through incorporating makerspaces in early childhood education, students start learning proficiencies and competencies that will help them to be successful throughout their scholastic endeavors and career. They may even spark a flame of curiosity and innovation that they can foster and use as a launch point for their future careers.
Not Sure Where to Start? Contact studioTECHNE
Starting a makerspace lab or classroom in your school may seem daunting. studioTECHNE is here to help! With decades of experience in the education space and proponents/makerspace-evangelists, we are excited to help you launch your school’s classrooms into the 21st century.
Working with an older school? You’re not the only ones!
Our team was tasked with helping Saint Helen Church's K-8 school revitalize their 1960s spaces and develop state-of-the-art facilities that will support student success for years to come. From 3D printers to robotics kits, our vision was to make this makerspace lab a hub of creativity and collaboration, where students can turn their ideas into reality. If you’re interested in learning how to transform your classroom or school, give us a call or fill out our form below!
