An analysis of the nature of young students' STEM learning in 3D technology-enhanced makerspaces

Anne Forbes (Editor), Garry Falloon, Michael Stevenson, Maria Hatzigianni, Matt Bower

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Research Findings: This study was undertaken to investigate learning processes and outcomes from using 3D design and printing technologies with children aged 5–8 years, in three schools in a metropolitan city in Australia. Data were collected from five sources (teacher interviews, surveys, journals; student interviews; and iPad screen recordings) and analyzed to identify themes responding to the question: What is the nature of students’ learning and learning processes in technology-enhanced Makerspaces? Findings report the perspectives of teachers and students, supplemented by screen recordings from the iPads. Students were found to have significant engagement in learning through involvement in these technology-enhanced Makerspaces, and to have developed skills and understanding in a number of areas including: digital technical proficiency, design thinking, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Findings are conceptualized using a research-informed Maker Literacies Framework, to better understand the nature of students’ learning and work processes while engaged in these environments. Practice or Policy: Findings imply that Makerspaces with 3D design and printing could be used to promote young children’s STEM literacies although teachers need to be mindful of the need to explicitly plan for and teach important STEM concepts, if learning in these disciplines is a goal.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDeveloping culturally and developmentally appropriate early STEM learning experiences
EditorsPhilip Hui Li, Anne Forbes, Weipeng Yang
Place of PublicationAbingdon, Oxon
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor and Francis Group
Chapter11
Pages172-187
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9781032634197
ISBN (Print)9781032634128, 9781032634159
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

This chapter was originally published as a special issue of the journal 'Early Education and Development', Volume 32, Issue 1, pp.172-187 (2021), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2020.1781325

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An analysis of the nature of young students' STEM learning in 3D technology-enhanced makerspaces'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this