The Role of Makerspaces in Enhancing the Student Learning Experience

Makerspaces are areas where its participants are able to design and build products of varying complexity. Many such areas exist within institutions of learning as well as in common areas that are frequented by children and adults alike. In fact, there are those that run a business based on the frequency or popularity of operating a makerspace. One of the main reasons makerspaces are so popular is due to the nature of the space itself, where it allows a person to touch and feel their own product after designing and subsequently building it. This "hands-on" approach is highly motivating for young learners and assists in further enhancing their awareness of STEM based activities. It is hypothesized that makerspaces are able to significantly enhance the learning experience of young learners who engage in these areas. These learners are able to enhance a variety of skills while designing a tangible product within a makerspace. The present investigation aims to validate this hypothesis, focusing on the roles makerspaces play in enhancing the learning experience. Through the review and results obtained, the key attributes or roles a successful makerspace should consist of would be identified. The main objective of the study would be to identify how makerspaces enhance the student learning experience. The research methodology is that of a case study, focusing on qualitative results obtained from a questionnaire. The questionnaire was answered by students who were tasked to design and build an engineering system while (in parallel) given access to a particular makerspace (to be used in assisting them to accomplish their design and build task).