Egbert, M. (2016). Creating makers : How to start a learning revolution at your library. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com

Summary:

Makerspace materials have not typically been part of a library’s “collection”; however, programs that allow for the creation of various types of media are playing a vital role in attracting new patrons to the library. To utilize grant money for a library makerspace, the author approached its creation by studying human-centered design-thinking, that is, “what motivates makers, what  kind of learning takes place, and how can we help enhance their experience,” (Egbert, 2016, p. xiv).  She begins her book defining “makers” as separate from “crafters”--crafters are usually working in a solitary manner, focused on an end result, whereas makers are social innovators: collaborating, learning through mistakes, and gleaning new ideas from others. The goal of the makerspace should support the type of learning that leads to patrons taking risks and creating something entirely unique, or for a unique purpose. Through trial and error, the author realized that families are the most effective target audience to keep projects available to all ages and levels of expertise.  Older makers can support and encourage new ones, sharing their experience and most importantly, the maker mindset of learning by doing. In contrast to formal learning that expects a “correct” answer or result, makerspaces provide an informal learning environment that can lead to innovative thinking and empowered creators.  As stated in her title, they can start “a learning revolution at your library,” (Egbert, 2016).

Evaluation:

This book guides librarians to "dive deep" into the why of makerspace, before they begin rolling up their sleeves and spending money. Having a vision for the makerspace will help guide decisions about who will be reached, how they will be engaged, and the types of learning that will take place. If the library is to become a "learning commons," learning should be the cornerstone of all maker programs and expenditures.

Meta-Collaboration: Thinking with another

Bliss, Jennifer

Desautlets, L. (2015). Edutopia. Meta-collaboration: Thinking with another. Retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/meta-collaboration-thinking-with-another-lori-desautels

This article focuses on changing the way we approach student learning by working with students and teachers to become co-teachers. The idea to get students to think and share about they way their brains work, they process and evaluation information, and how they problem solve. By becoming a co-teacher (a student will be the other teacher) students will gain the perspectives of others and think hopefully adopt some of the strategies and ideas shared with their classmates.

Although the article is small, and I am not sure how you would use the students as co-teachers, it is an interesting way to approach a new subject. If students can begin to think in steps about how they problem solve and process information, they can approach any learning subject with a new understanding.