Why be a part of the Maker Movement?

Knowledge is power. That's what they say. But knowledge without creation or application in a meaningful way, is merely useless facts and figures. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that the acquisition of knowledge is a waste of time. I am a teacher after all. I place great value in the acquisition of knowledge. The point I am trying to make here is that knowledge really becomes powerful when it is used to create something and I think is what is driving the Maker Movement and STEAM programs in schools.  

New Priorities

There is an ever-increasing demand on schools to educate children in more than just what are viewed as traditional subjects. Social and emotional intelligence as well as 21st Century skills continue to be the trend in contemporary education. You always hear a *sigh* when you start talking about something new to teachers. I don't see this as an addition to an already overcrowded roster of expectations, but genuinely see making as a powerful vehicle for the construction of meaningful knowledge AND an opportunity to develop other essential skills. The obvious additional benefit of getting on the Maker Train is that making embraces and revamps the old "learn by doing" approach and is powered by children's natural inclination to play and explore, resulting in strong engagement. 

Mindset Matters

While we were a little slower on the uptake in our school and have only launched our Maker Space this year, it is important to note that the Maker movement is really about a mindset and not a physical space. Having a Maker Mindset is about being a person who is resourceful and thinks creatively to solve problems. Someone who is open to failure and sees it as essential to achieving success. A person who collaborates and communicates with others, a team player. Someone who identifies what they need to learn or finds a passion and chases after it with enthusiasm. Having a pretty place to do all these things is just a bonus.