Teachers in the Making: An investigation of pre service teacher experience in a maker faire setting, and the role of design thinking
Author(s) O'Brien, Sean Advisor(s) Duque, Jason; Harlow, Danielle Abstract: ABSTRACT This 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: What is the experience of pre service teachers in a Maker Faire environment? How do pre service teachers interact with children in a Maker Faire? How 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.