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Literature Review

Makerspaces in the Early Years: A Literature Review

January 1, 2017 | Public Programs

The aim of this review of the literature is to identify what we already know about the engagement of children aged under eight in makerspaces. Given the limited literature in the area, the review takes a broader look at makerspaces for older children where relevant. This is not a systematic review; its aim is not to offer an exhaustive account of all of the research conducted in the area. Rather, this narrative review provides an introduction to key aspects of research on makerspaces and enables the identification of themes dominant in the field, and those areas where more research is needed in order to extend knowledge of the value of makerspaces for early childhood. Each section is written by different members of the MakEY research team. The sections relate to the three areas identified by Peppler, Halverson and Kafai (2016) as characteristic of much of the work in the field – makerspaces, making and makers – but themes and issues that cross-cut each of these areas are also addressed.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Jackie Marsh
    Author
  • Kristiina Kumpulainen
    Author
  • Bobby Nisha
    Author
  • Anca Velicu
    Author
  • Alicia Blum-Ross
    Author
  • David Hyatt
    Author
  • Svanborg Jónsdóttir
    Author
  • Rachael Levy
    Author
  • Sabine Little
    Author
  • George Marusteru
    Author
  • Margrét Elísabet Ólafsdóttir
    Author
  • Kjetil Sandvik
    Author
  • Fiona Scott
    Author
  • Klaus Thestrup
    Author
  • Hans Christian Arnseth
    Author
  • Kristín Dýrfjörð
    Author
  • Alfredo Jornet
    Author
  • Skúlína Hlíf Kjartansdóttir
    Author
  • Kate Pahl
    Author
  • Svava Pétursdóttir
    Author
  • Gísli Thorsteinsson
    Author
  • University of Sheffield
    Author
  • Citation

    ISBN : 9780902831506
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Pre-K Children (0-5) | Parents/Caregivers | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Making and Tinkering Programs

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