Challenge-Based Makerspaces
Course
How to Create an Interactive Learning Space [6:37]
- Learn how to create different active learning spaces to support maker learning and design challenges.
- Learn the different tools and materials to facilitate learning in your makerspace.
- Learn that the look of a makerspace will vary depending on the available resources.
I'm going to be mentioning a lot of resources in this episode, so make sure to check out the learning support materials for this course to find out more about what's mentioned. One of my favorite concepts for creating learning environments support maker learning is the concept of active learning spaces.
The first active learning space is the small group area. Small group areas are designed to support a group of about two to four students. They support brainstorming sessions and collaboration. Ideally, you'd want to have these areas set off for more crowded spaces with at least some semblance of privacy, such as a partial screen or a mobile whiteboard. These areas can also be part of larger areas of the library if needed. Whiteboard tables and teaming tables where students can share device screens are especially good to have in small group areas.
In a makerspace, these could be areas where groups of students could break off to collaborate on a project. Most school libraries already have a large group area, which is the next space. This is the space in your library and makerspace that can support full classes. If you have the space, it's good to be able to support more than one class, but that will vary depending on the size of your library. Ideally, the furniture in your large group area should be flexible enough that you can change configurations for different activities, lesson styles, and community events.
Try to make sure that you always have a presentation set up available, so that both teachers and students can utilize it to present to groups. Technology-rich areas are the next active learning space on the list. For many of us, we immediately think of the computer labs that are commonly found in libraries. Obviously, these can be excellent technology resources for our students, but think beyond the computer lab as well. Could you provide access to tablets or other devices that students could use in the library? What about robots that could be checked out? Or a teaming table where students could share their device screens and collaborate?
I've seen many schools transform their morning showrooms into green screen studios that students can use throughout the day. Even if money is tight in your school, there are still ways to incorporate more access to technology in your space. It's ironic that the hardest of the active learning spaces for many school libraries to create is the quiet and solitary space. Traditionally, libraries were always quiet places intended for study and reading, but now that we've added more active learning elements through making, computer labs, class instruction, etc., it can get pretty noisy.
This is fine for many students; but there are definitely still times when students need that quiet solitary environment to focus, reflect, and read. Try to create little cave spaces in your library to support these students. Sometimes, that might be as simple as shifting the furniture around. You might also consider purchasing furniture designed to support quiet spaces or screens and mobile whiteboards that can help give a sense of isolation. Makerspaces are the final active learning space. This may seem a bit redundant in the context of this course, but it's important to note that research recognizes the value of makerspaces in a learning environment.
As we said earlier, what a makerspace looks like in your library will vary depending on your resources and your school culture; but no matter what, your goal should be to provide tools and materials that can engage your students in creative exploration. In order to facilitate active learning within your library and makerspace, there are tools that you can provide that will enhance the learning experiences of your students. While it isn't necessary to have all of these things to support learning in your makerspace, they can definitely go a long way in improving the environment.
Flexible mobile furniture that can easily be changed up and rearranged to support different learning activities in a makerspace is one valuable tool for an active learning environment. Look for tables on casters that can flip and nest out of the way and lightweight stackable chairs. Tables with unusual shapes or configurations can be fun, too. If you are unable to source the money for new furniture, look for ways that you can modify existing furniture, such as adding casters to tables or cutting the backs off of chairs to turn them into stools. Writeable surfaces, such as whiteboard walls, whiteboard tables, and mobile whiteboards are another excellent tool for active spaces. They can provide spaces for students to brainstorm, collaborate, and work out ideas.
If you can, provide a variety of vertical and horizontal surfaces for students to write on. Vertical surfaces are great for group brainstorming and presentations. While horizontal surfaces work well for individuals and small groups that might not want to broadcast their ideas to everyone who walks by. Porcelain-topped tables and actual whiteboards work well. Whiteboard paint and whiteboard stickers can also be an option for existing walls and tables. There is research to support that soft, low seating can be an important part of an active environment like a makerspace. Soft seating allows students to settle in and reflect and brainstorm ideas. It can also be good for taking breaks while working through a challenging project.
In contrast, high seating, such as café stools can help support brief breaks during activity. Students can perch on these types of chairs and quickly transition to the next task. You might also want to consider some standing height tables without chairs or stools, where students could work. Seating that supports fidgeting is another great tool of an active space. Many of our students have difficulty sitting still during instructions. They often need that physical stimulation of movement in order to focus. Try to find seating solutions to help support these students. Chairs with uneven bases, such as VS Hokki stools can be a great option.
Other furniture companies have designed chairs that look traditional, but allow more movement. Many educators have used exercise balls as a budget-friendly option for chairs. Find whatever works best for your space. What are some simple changes that you can make to your library and makespace that support active learning? Take a few minutes to brainstorm and jot down your ideas.
Your library and makerspace needs to be able to support the active learning environment required in design challenges. From seating to writing surfaces, providing students with a functional space is crucial to the success of your makerspace and design challenges. What are some changes that you can make to your library and makerspace to support active learning? Use the worksheet on page 3 of the handout in the resources below and reflect on each active learning space and how you can create that space in your library.
Looking around at the furniture in your library, does active learning come to mind? Libraries are known to be quiet spaces filled with large desks and chairs and not very accommodating for design challenges. Reflect on your current library or makerspace and the items that would need to be budgeted for and what you already have that you can modify. See page 9 of the handout in the resources above to jot down your notes.
MLA Citation
"Challenge-Based Makerspaces: Creating an Active Learning Environment." School Library Connection, April 2021, schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/2263242?learningModuleId=2263194&topicCenterId=2247902.
Entry ID: 2263434
Creating an active learning space within your library can take some creativity. Diana Rendina has provided a list of blog posts, tutorials, books, and more in the resources below to help you with ideas on how to reimagine your library space. Perhaps there are some ideas that you can incorporate immediately and others you may have to plan for in future budgets. Research 5-7 of these resources and jot down some ideas that you can use in your space.
Many of the suggestions you will find in this lesson allow you to recycle furniture that you already have in your library space. What elements immediately come to mind that could be repurposed? Are you able to separate spaces to create some of the five active learning spaces mentioned in this lesson? See page 9 of the handout in the resources above to jot down your notes.
MLA Citation
"Challenge-Based Makerspaces: Transform Your Space on Any Budget." School Library Connection, April 2021, schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/2263242?learningModuleId=2263194&topicCenterId=2247902.
Entry ID: 2263435
Additional Resources
About the Author
MLA Citation
Rendina, Diana L. "Challenge-Based Makerspaces. How to Create an Interactive Learning Space [6:37]." School Library Connection, ABC-CLIO, April 2021, schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/2263242?learningModuleId=2263194&topicCenterId=2247902.
https://schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/2263242?learningModuleId=2263194&topicCenterId=2247902
Entry ID: 2263242