Focus: Teacher perceptions regarding makerspace environments in elementary educational settings.
Purpose: To determine the relationship between teacher perceptions of makerspace environments and the use of makerspaces for learning in elementary educational settings.
ResearchQuestion: To what extent do elementary teacher perceptions of makerspace environments affect the use of makerspaces as viable learning environments?
ResearchDesign: The design of the research is qualitative in nature because it will assess feelings and attitudes of elementary teachers regarding makerspaces as learning environments.
Data to be Collected: Audio recorded interviews with K-4 elementary classroom teachers.
Measurement Instruments: Audio recorded interviews will be conducted utilizing an interview guide through a semi-structured approach.
Focus of Literature Review: The literature review will begin with an introduction to makerspace environments that are currently being utilized across a variety of settings along with the positive and negative aspects observed. The review will then narrow to the recent trend of makerspace use in public education and the factors that are driving the change. Finally, the review will focus on makerspace use in elementary public schools as a viable learning environment for primary age students and the factors that are currently hindering the use of makerspaces in primary education. At the middle school, high school, and collegiate level, makerspaces are becoming accepted as viable learning environments, yet the elementary level as not seen as much growth, therefore the literature in this area is not as prevalent so this research will add to the body of research concerning this topic.
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