Building Knowledge Structures in Context: An Exploration of How Constructionism Principles Influence Engineering Student Learning Experiences in Academic Making Spaces

Abstract

In this study, we explored how constructionism theory principles were integrated across six engineering academic making spaces to support student learning outcomes. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted a thematic analysis of semi-structured faculty and staff interviews. The data suggests that engineering academic making spaces afford students with collaborative spaces for collective discovery centered around the application of manufacturing processes and professional practices. Furthermore, data indicates that both educators and staff play an integral role in guiding student learning, autonomy-building, and lifelong learning in these spaces. However, additional considerations around learning cultures, student-centered learning, and their connections to situated cognition and collaborative learning are needed. Findings and subsequent recommendations focus on using a constructionism lens to promote engineering students’ learning outcomes in academic making spaces.

Keywords

• constructivism
• making spaces
• engineering education
• faculty development