Preservice and Early Career Teachers' Preconceptions and Misconceptions About Making in Education

Abstract

This qualitative study examined preservice and early career teachers' preconceptions and misconceptions about making in education. Eighty-two preservice and early career teachers participated in brief, one-time maker workshops, then wrote reflections on their experiences. Using constant comparative analysis, researchers uncovered two common misconceptions held by the participants. The first was that making in education consisted of hands-on activities designed to achieve specific content learning objectives. The second was that making was largely dependent on the use of advanced manufacturing tools, such as three-dimensional (3D) printers. Such misconceptions could negatively impact the potential of making in education. Recommendations for resolving these misconceptions are presented, along with recommendations for future research.