ERIC Number: EJ1181861
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1523
EISSN: N/A
Spacemakers: A Leadership Perspective on Curriculum and the Purpose of K-12 Educational Makerspaces
Harron, Jason R.; Hughes, Joan E.
Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v50 n3 p253-270 2018
This qualitative research study investigated how educational makerspace leaders, whom we refer to as spacemakers, framed the purpose of the makerspace in K-12 education and how makerspaces support school curriculum. Using interviews with twelve K-12 spacemakers, the study found spacemakers were experienced, self-motivated educators. These leaders described purposes for makerspaces including increasing student-centeredness, relevancy, career-readiness, and inclusion, showcasing the campus, and helping students become creators instead of consumers. Makerspaces supported school curriculum through dedicated making classes, as curricular projects, or as extracurricular activities. The discussion examines future challenges facing K-12 makerspaces in terms of curriculum, tools, sustainability, and equitable practices.
Descriptors: Qualitative Research, Elementary Secondary Education, Teacher Characteristics, Teacher Leadership, Shared Resources and Services, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Innovation, Leadership Role, Semi Structured Interviews, Teacher Role, Librarians, Curriculum, Sustainability, Equal Education
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A