MAKERSPACE CHILDREN UNIVERSITY: A CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PROPOSAL

As learning needs and behaviors of the students of the Z Generation have changed recently, new educational trends and learning environments emerged into the field of education. Makerspaces are one of the prevalent innovative educational hubs and centers which enable the learners to experience and experiment cooperative and participative learning through the use of various tools, equipment and materials within the frame of STEAM approach. They are creative knowledge production platforms where learners interact with each other and knowledge, itself. Throughout the world, there are various makerspace initiatives of universities, colleges, high school and secondary schools that have been influenced by the makerspace culture in their educational approaches. Many educational organizations have started to re-frame and re-shape their educational curriculums and incorporate maker culture in their educational programs. Turkey is one of the countries making attempts in re-structuring the curriculum with makerspace activities and incorporating non-formal tools in the educational programs and curriculum. This study aims to put forward the theoretical framework of the Curriculum Development Project Proposal of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University entitled as “Children MakerSpace University Hub” and provide information about the curriculum and educational methods of the makerspace university hub to be established. In accordance with the given data within the scope of the study, it can be recommended that educational institutions in Turkey should take important steps in creating makerspaces, cooperating with each other and make partnerships with the other countries and provide exchange programs within the scope of makerspaces. Educational organizations can employ makerspace teachers who have expertise practical and theoretical knowledge relevant to the field. They can also work on developing special curriculums for disadvantaged groups and minorities to facilitate their learning and inclusion processes