Maker-Centered Learning at Van Ness Elementary
What is maker-centered learning?
A maker is “someone - anyone - who makes things.” Thus, making takes infinite forms: music composition, bread baking, furniture building, painting, computer programming, app development, and so much more.
The language of design thinking can be useful to describe the process of making. For example, makers may first seek to understand a need or purpose (empathy) and use that to define a problem to solve. From there, they generate ideas, create prototypes, see if their design works (testing), and adjust it until it solves the problem (iterating). That said, making is not always done with a goal to make something specific. It also includes tinkering or unstructured experimentation with materials or ideas. This may lead to new understandings or ideas that solve future problems.
Why is maker-centered learning valuable?
Maker-centered learning prepares students to change the world. It helps them understand that most things in our world have been designed, and that, if something is not working well for them, it can be re-designed. And, it helps them develop the skills, inclination and habit of noticing and seizing opportunities to make, alter, or re-design objects and systems in ways that improve their lives, their communities, and the world.
“The real power of this revolution is its democratizing effects. Now, almost anyone can innovate. Now, almost anyone can make. Now, with the tools available at a makerspace, anyone can change the world.”
Sample Making Projects from Van Ness
Jenny Krystopowicz
2nd grade
Learn more about Jenny’s journey with measuring outcomes of maker-centered learning.
Our approach to Maker-Centered Learning draws heavily on the work of the Agency by Design team at Project Zero. We highly recommend reading the book Maker-Centered Learning.