Agency by Design: Bring Maker-Centered Thinking Routines to Your Classroom

Purpose & objective

Maker-centered learning is not a new concept. However, emerging trends suggest that hands-on learning, problem- and project-based inquiry encourages a “DIT” or Do it Together mentality, crossing boundaries and expanding the scope of relevant teaching and learning. Our session will address this reality and explore ways to build student agency through voice and choice in interacting with each other and the world around them.

Thinking Routines are mini-strategies to encourage active processing and build on learners’ background knowledge. Participants will engage in several maker-centered thinking routines including “Parts, Purposes, Complexities,” and explore systems thinking using the “Parts, People, Interactions” activity. Slowing down to think through the complexities and make connections while designing and planning any type of maker project opens up more design possibilities and interactions that might not have occurred without this strategy.

As a result of attending this session, participants will have experienced maker-centered thinking routines, have access to lesson plans and resources from the Agency by Design website, and be able to bring these strategies into their classrooms right away, without needing to purchase any expensive materials or equipment.

Outline

The presenters will introduce what "maker-centered learning” is and how it can be embedded in ANY curriculum or subject (10 min). The presenters will share a real class experience with a second-hand store purchase of “Violet,” a stuffed toy that was taken apart and the embedded electronics (LEDs, microphone, speaker, recordings) disassembled and labeled (10 min). Next, participants will engage in the “Parts, Purposes, Complexities'' thinking routine, considering a computer keyboard or other object such as shoes, a watch, or a pen (15 min). After the activity, several questions will be shared and discussed: “What kind of thinking does this routine encourage? When and how can this routine be used? What are some implications of making students’ thinking visible? (10 min) To conclude, ideas and considerations for putting this thinking into practice will be shared. (5 min)

Supporting research

http://www.agencybydesign.org/