New Richmond teachers join Makers and Shakers for workshop
The bell hasn’t even rung for the first day of school, but that doesn’t mean learning’s not happening.
Five educators from New Richmond Exempted Village School District were among about two dozen participating in a recent makerspace workshop.
Through the free, three-day workshop, New Richmond Middle School social studies teacher Adam Moler said he hopes to bring back to the classroom some meaningful learning ideas.
There’s an emphasis right now on project-based learning, and makerspaces offer another tool for delivering this type of learning, according to New Richmond High School Engish teacher Kelly Merritt.
Makerspaces are often described as a space where students can explore their own interests, learn to use tools and materials, and develop creative projects.
This type of learning space allows students to tinker with things and maybe discover new passions or interests, Moler said.
In 2015 new flexible seating was added to the New Richmond High School library, transforming it into a learning commons, Assistant Superintendent John Frye said. This year, the learning commons will have makerspace that includes a 3D printer, poster printing, graphic applications, robotics and programming, prototyping and a digital studio for students and teachers, he said.
The project-based learning found in a makerspace gives students “real-life” learning experiences, according to New Richmond High School science teacher Laura Prescott.
“Whether it’s skills allowing students to go directly into a workforce placement or college placement, we can start to impart skills on them that are more real-life and less wrote memory,” she said.
The Makers and Shakers workshop was provided at the main branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County through a grant obtained by WCET Learning Services.