MakerSpaces in schools : Networked learning among teachers to support curriculum-driven pupil learning in programming

• In recent years, many countries have introduced programming as content in their national educational strategies. This study focused on how teachers from various K-6 schools met regularly in learning groups to discuss their experiences integrating programming in MakerSpace settings, places equipped with various materials that can be used to construct things to enhance creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The project focussed on studying the activities in an established network in a Swedish municipality (i.e., how teachers experienced the value of network meetings and how they incorporated lessons learned from other participants in the teacher learning group [TLG]). The study addressed the following research question: What are the learning experiences of teachers in K-6 schools that participate in a top-down networked professional development project that focuses on integrating computer programming into the curriculum? A narrative written method was applied to collect data from seven teachers in the network. The results indicated that teachers found it useful to participate in a top-down networked professional development project. They experienced that participating in the TLG helped them develop their professional attitudes, knowledge and practices. 

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Utbildningsvetenskap -- Pedagogik (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Educational Sciences -- Pedagogy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

MakerSpace

networked professional development

networked learning

teacher learning groups

TLG

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kap (subject category)