Guitars and Makerspace: Examining the Experience of First Nations Students | Guitares et laboratoires ouverts : examen de l’expérience d’élèves des Premières Nations

This research project examined the impact on student engagement of a makerspace approach in an all-First Nations high school. First Nations learners have many factors limiting their success in the K-12 system such as lack of connection to the curriculum, limited cultural relevance of course content,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology / La revue canadienne de l’apprentissage et de la technologie
Main Authors: Jay R Wilson, Marc Gobeil
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
French
Published: The Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE) 2018
Subjects:
edu
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.21432/T2SQ4W
https://doaj.org/article/00362b949b3948e4895709728bac23a9
Description
Summary:This research project examined the impact on student engagement of a makerspace approach in an all-First Nations high school. First Nations learners have many factors limiting their success in the K-12 system such as lack of connection to the curriculum, limited cultural relevance of course content, and poor attendance. A common concern for those working with First Nations students is how to deliver a learning experience that is engaging and assists students in earning enough credits to graduate. In this case study, a makerspace approach to learning was used to engage and support learners. A makerspace is a learning context where participants are supported and encouraged to design and create as part of required learning, to meet curricular objectives, or to creatively explore their own ideas. The program at the focus of this research introduced students to 3D computer design technology and (computer numerical control) CNC wood milling technology to make electric guitars. This project used a case study design to determine ways to improve the school experience of First Nations students through unique course design. The findings show that the experience for students was positive, engagement increased, and attendance showed improvement. Ce projet de recherche s’est penché sur l’incidence d’une approche « Makerspace » (laboratoire ouvert) sur l’engagement des élèves dans une école secondaire fréquentée uniquement par des membres des Premières Nations. Plusieurs facteurs limitent la réussite des apprenants des Premières Nations dans le système scolaire de la maternelle à la 12e année, comme un manque de connexion au programme, la pertinence limitée du contenu des cours et un haut taux d’absentéisme. Les personnes qui travaillent auprès des élèves issus des Premières Nations ont comme préoccupation commune l’offre d’une expérience d’apprentissage qui engage les élèves et les aide à obtenir suffisamment de crédits pour obtenir leur diplôme. Dans cette étude de cas, une approche de laboratoire ouvert a été utilisée pour ...