Understanding Instructional Challenges and Approaches to including Middle School Students with Disabilities in Makerspace activities: A cross-case analysis

Chung Eun Lee, Noah Samuel, Maya Israel, Heather Arnett, Lisa Bievenue, Jeffrey Ginger, Michele Perry

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Given the proliferation of makerspace experiences in K-12 education, there is a growing need to ensure accessibility for all learners, including those with disabilities and those at risk of academic failure. The limited research on these populations suggests that it is essential to examine how a broader range of learners participate in K-12 maker activities and any barriers that they face. We employed a cross-case qualitative methodology to investigate issues of participation and engagement by collaborating with four teachers who incorporated maker activities into STEM or science classes in four different middle schools. Across the four schools, teachers reported multiple challenges faced by learners including student-specific, instructional, and systemic barriers. Despites these challenges, however, we found evidence of students with disabilities meaningfully participating in maker activities. Implications for future research and practices are discussed from an ecological model perspective.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of FabLearn 2020 - 9th Annual Conference on Maker Education
Subtitle of host publicationMaking as Resistance and Resilience
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Pages26-33
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781450375436
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 4 2020
Externally publishedYes
Event9th Annual Conference on Maker Education: Making as Resistance and Resilience, FabLearn 2020 - Virtual, Online, United States
Duration: Apr 4 2020Apr 5 2020

Publication series

NameACM International Conference Proceeding Series

Conference

Conference9th Annual Conference on Maker Education: Making as Resistance and Resilience, FabLearn 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityVirtual, Online
Period4/4/204/5/20

Keywords

  • K-12 education
  • Makerspace activities
  • engagement barriers
  • inclusive makerspace
  • learning disabilities

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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