CRITICAL MAKING

The aim of this project is to design and develop a teacher training program that integrates Critical Making into STEM education and engages teachers in the design and development of an educational project that is relevant to their needs and contexts and, in turn, ensures a CM approach to their students.

The key principles of Critical Making for teacher training design align closely with the Creative Learning framework, which emphasizes fostering curiosity and engagement through meaningful projects, collaboration, and playful exploration. By integrating Creative Learning principles, the project aims to provide teachers with tools that not only address disinformation but also inspire students to take ownership of their learning through experimentation and reflection.The main points include:- rethinking learning objectives, educational content, and curricula: introducing Critical Making may involve adjusting content, classroom scenarios, and learning objectives.

It is essential that the proposed projects and activities are challenging yet achievable.

- encouraging collaboration: students should be encouraged to work together on projects that promote a sense of community and shared learning while performing Critical Making tasks. Collaboration among teachers is equally important for sharing best practices and resources.

- promoting creativity and focusing on design thinking and Critical Making skills: establishing a learning environment that supports creativity and makes students aware of the various stages of the design process. Students should be encouraged to engage in open-ended tasks that allow for different approaches and solutions, connecting ideas across disciplines.

- building strong foundations and confidence in the learning experience: teachers must provide students with the guidance and support needed to navigate the Critical Making process. This can help them build confidence and develop their problem-solving skills. It is also crucial to foster a growth mindset by encouraging students to embrace failure as part of the Critical Making learning process.

- encouraging self-reflection and peer evaluation: teachers should be able to invite students to reflect on their experiences, what they have learned, and how they can apply their knowledge and skills in different contexts. It is also essential to introduce peer evaluation in a constructive and educational manner, avoiding unhealthy competition.

Professional teacher training is critical for the effective implementation of Critical Making in STEM education and educators need to be trained on how to frame questions and comments to promote inquiry-based learning and guide students in reflecting on the processes and outcomes of their work and create a classroom atmosphere that enables, encourages, and values experimentation and the search for new solutions, while also accepting failure as part of the learning process.