Journey to the student-centered makerspace

Connect to your staff
We all work with many talented and creative people. No doubt there are several “makers” on your staff. While planning your makerspace, include teachers, administrators and staff in your conversations. Our makerspace environment was a team effort. I worked closely with our staff to repurpose spaces in the library media center. The change included clearing out a desktop computer lab, an AV closet, and magazine closet. I worked with IT and facilities staff to create a more student-centered environment. And I shared information about our makerspace with our teachers and asked for feedback through a survey.

Currently we have several teachers who assign projects that include students utilizing the makerspace as a resource. But they don’t micromanage. Students work independently in the makerspace with their peers to create their projects. Teachers see the value that the makerspace has to support and enrich the project-based learning going on in their classes.

Take risks
Creating a makerspace can seem like a daunting task especially when you start to think of all of the unfamiliar elements. I was a bit apprehensive when the 3D printer arrived and wondered how I would manage not being skilled at so many maker things happening in our space. I realized that I needed to be more willing to take risks and make mistakes, especially if I was going to expect this from our students.

And I learned that what you don’t know, you learn. At this point, I feel skilled at both using the 3D printer and fixing it! There are a lot of great support resources (like the manual) and YouTube that are there to help you. I learn right alongside our students as we troubleshoot Sketchup, decipher origami diagrams and correct sewing machine malfunctions. It’s important for our students to see us problem-solve and build our own repertoire of skills.

The makerspace experience has enriched the learning environment at our school and created a place where students are free to take risks and pursue their interests. My goal is that the maker environment is beginning to fostering a culture of innovation throughout our academic day and beyond.

Abbe Waldron is a library media specialist at Wamogo Regional High School in Litchfield, CT. Follow her @abbewaldron; @wamogomakers.