Employers need workers who can think creatively and solve problems collaboratively, and that’s especially true as AI becomes more prevalent and routine tasks are increasingly automated. Project-based learning (PBL) is an effective way for students to learn these essential skills, and for this reason, PBL is becoming more common in schools.
PBL supports problem solving and innovation across a wide range of disciplines, including not only math, science, and technology but also social studies, ELA, performing arts, and gifted education. When done well, PBL leads to better engagement and deeper learning among students, while also building foundational skills that prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world.
Studies have shown that students who learn by taking on authentic tasks and projects retain content longer and have a deeper understanding of their learning. PBL has proven to be more effective than traditional methods of instruction within numerous disciplines. Students also demonstrate better problem-solving and creativity skills and can apply what they’ve learned to real-life situations.
For high-quality PBL to occur, students need spaces to work together on projects. They need spaces for brainstorming, generating ideas, prototyping, inventing, testing, and refining their creations. Makerspaces provide an ideal learning environment to support project-based instruction.
“Team projects in makerspaces authentically create collaboration and communication,” says Walden University. “In order to create an item or complete a project, kids naturally communicate and contribute ideas, and take on tasks, which helps them build those 21st-century skills of collaboration, creativity, and communication.”
Though they’re often associated with STEM subjects, makerspaces are powerful across the curriculum. For example, health or entrepreneurship students might develop a restaurant concept complete with menus and marketing materials, while literature students might design physical storyboards or build models from the novels they read. Students may also use this space for performing arts and create a commercial, song, or piece of art.
“Many people still see makerspaces as places for (mostly) boys to become the next generation of software engineers and programmers,” writes Athena Zhang Baker for SparkFun Education—but the truth is that everyone can benefit.
What does high-quality PBA look like?
PBLWorks, an organization that builds the capacity of educators to implement this approach in classrooms, has identified seven “Gold Standard” characteristics of high-quality projects—and seven Gold Standard practices for project-based teaching as well:
Designing makerspaces to support effective PBL
Using hands-on projects to teach students not only core curriculum content, but also foundational skills such as collaborative problem solving and creativity, requires thoughtfully designed learning environments as well as high-quality projects and effective teaching practices. Modern makerspaces that are well-designed and equipped are key facilitators of PBL success.
Here are five important design elements to consider as you build and equip flexible makerspaces that inspire students to experiment, solve problems, and develop real-world, future-ready skills.
Spaces for students to collaborate, brainstorm, and share ideas
Students don’t just need room to work on their projects; they need spaces to plan as well. They need opportunities to research, think, and sketch out their ideas—often in collaboration with their peers. Creating a separate brainstorming zone equipped with digital devices, whiteboards, markers, and/or paper and pencils can help support this ideation process.
You might want to add soft seating options to this area as well, because students are likely to be most creative when they feel comfortable in their surroundings. Soft seating can make the space feel inviting for students to huddle together, brainstorm, and bounce ideas off each other.
Sturdy tables for building and constructing
The tables that students use for making and constructing should be sturdily crafted, designed to support a lot of wear and tear. They should offer plenty of work surface area, with stools that give students the option of sitting or standing as they work on projects.
Consider using tables with locking casters that can be moved around the room easily, instantly creating more space for students to test out their creations as needed. This flexibility allows teachers and students to maximize the possibilities of limited spaces for learning.
Tools for making in a variety of formats and media
A well-equipped makerspace includes tools, equipment, and materials for students to create a wide range of products, including printed, constructed, and electric outputs.
For instance, depending on your educational goals, your makerspace might include technology and machinery such as 3D printers and laser cutters; electronics kits and components for building simple circuits, machines, and robotics; digital media production tools such as cameras, tripods, green screens, video editing software, keyboards, music composition software, and graphic design software; art supplies and creative materials such as paints, paper, cardboard, plastics, wood, fabrics, and metals; and simple tools for cutting, joining, and splicing, such as scissors, wire cutters, glue guns, soldering irons, or hand tools.
Places to store tools and materials
Pay attention to your storage needs. There should be plenty of shelf or cabinet space to store equipment safely. Make sure all materials are clearly labeled and easy to find. Dangerous materials should be stored in locked cabinets or high up where young children can’t reach. To maximize your use of the space, you might consider makerspace tables with built-in storage capacity.
Features that promote student safety
Makerspaces should be safe places for students to work. They should be well lit, ventilated, and equipped with a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. There should be adequate surface space for students to spread out materials and use tools safely, as well as sinks to facilitate cleanup. (Portable sinks can help turn regular classrooms into makerspaces easily.)
Keep all pathways to exits clear, and make sure that students put away their materials when not in use to keep the space free from clutter. All procedures and instructions for using tools and equipment should be clearly posted, and students should learn how to use all tools safely as these tools are introduced.
How to learn more
By combining high-quality PBL with thoughtfully designed makerspaces, educators can prepare students with the creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed for the future. Whether you’re building a new makerspace or enhancing an existing one, focus on flexibility, student voice, and cross-disciplinary integration to support authentic, engaging learning.
To learn how School Specialty’s Projects By Design division can help you design dynamic makerspaces that effectively support PBL and go to www.schoolspecialty.com/projects-by-design.
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