Teachers in the Making: An investigation of pre-service teacher experience in a maker faire setting, and the role of design thinking
Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Abstract: ABSTRACT\tThis qualitative research project applies a case study approach to investigating the nature of experience and interactions of four pre-service teachers who took part in facilitating an activity for a School Maker Faire. Additionally, the research looks for evidence of design thinking as a pedagogical practice, manifested by pre-service teachers in this environment. Data was collected in the form of stimulated recall interviews and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the data was guided by the following three questions:•\tWhat is the experience of pre-service teachers in a Maker Faire environment?•\tHow do pre-service teachers interact with children in a Maker Faire?•\tHow do pre-service teachers display their pedagogical understanding of design thinking, in a Maker Faire environment?Findings reveal the following four phenomena as being important influences on interaction and experience: pre-Maker Faire preparation, types of questions asked, the role of assessment, and the role of parents.Additionally, evidence suggests relationships between these influences and a pre-service teacher’s level of adopting design thinking, however further research would be necessary in order to substantiate these findings to a degree of applicability for practitioners. This research study contributes to the growing literature on maker education and design thinking, as it applies to teacher education.
Author: Sean Michael O'Brien
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2605883856