Transforming integrative maker education for STEM: Empowering pre-service teachers

Abstract

Transforming integrative maker education for STEM: Empowering pre-service teachers Dr Ginny Chambers and Dr Kamryn York from Point Park University tell us about a project aimed at enhancing integrative maker education through the training of pre-service teachers, focusing on elementary education. In recent years, maker education has gained traction as a transformative approach to teaching STEM subjects. This innovative pedagogy engages students in hands-on, collaborative learning experiences, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of STEM concepts. “Transforming Integrative Makerspace Education for STEM” (a National Science Foundation funded project) focuses on improving the quality and effectiveness of STEM education for pre-service teachers. The project builds on the knowledge about teaching and learning by creating, implementing, and assessing faculty development, interactive instruction, and STEM lesson plan development. This study fosters a more collaborative approach among education and STEM faculty, resulting in the revision and implementation of ten education courses to emphasize STEM experiential learning through makerspace pedagogy.