Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education, STEM

First Advisor

Kristine Cook

Department/School

Education, STEM

Abstract

This action research aimed to determine the impacts of makerspaces and design thinking on student perceptions of creativity. The study occurred in a rural North Dakota third-grade classroom during science instruction. There were two sections of 17 and 18 students, respectively. Students participated in makerspace activities, including designing and constructing their own paper house or school. Data was collected through pre- and post-surveys, an adjective checklist, and teacher observations of student behavior. Pre-assessment findings suggest students had a relatively positive view of creativity before the intervention. Findings suggest student perceptions of creativity improved following the intervention. Further research on the impacts of makerspaces and student creativity should be implemented. When students take ownership of their projects and learning, genuine engagement and creativity flourish.

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