We are in the midst of what the World Economic Forum calls the ‘fourth industrial revolution’. Millions of technology jobs are going unfilled today because of a lack of skilled workers while other jobs are being outsourced to automation. It’s vital that we have an education system that equips learners with the knowledge and 21st century skills needed to thrive in our transforming world. At the same time, teachers are being challenged to keep up with technology advances and apply them to the classroom. How do we resolve these issues?
The solution can be found beyond the textbook, beyond a 19th century instructionism delivery model. By following a ‘learning-by-making approach to STEAM education – what education researchers call constructionism – many successful teachers today have set aside any uncertainty about working with technology and have transformed their classrooms into experiential, hands-on learning environments. A hands-on learning approach helps students build the skills they need to be career ready, developing abilities such as problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and critical-thinking.
For example, consider a student who is building a robot or a constructing a music synthesizer or other compelling project. Through the hands-on development process of that robot or synthesizer the student is learning wider science skills that can be applied to the real world.
We believe teachers embracing learning-by-making is vital to future success in the global economy. We’re focused on helping educators provide high-quality learning in the classroom through learning-by-making in order to bring science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to life.
Ffi: pi-top.com