Maker Education Challenges

Challenges to 'maker' projects in schools:

1. Limited resources: Making projects can be expensive, and schools may not have the budget or resources to support large-scale maker projects. Maker spaces with complex equipment, materials, and software generally need a maker program manager to keep things organized and functioning.

2. Unclear learning goals: Maker projects often have minimal connection to standards-based learning goals.

3. Lack of skills: Makerspaces began as a way for people with technological skills to share access to expensive shop equipment. However, most students in schools lack these technical skills, resulting in many 'maker' projects being trivial, poorly done, or almost entirely teacher-directed.

4. Lack of standardization: Maker projects can vary widely in terms of their goals and objectives, making it difficult to assess student learning in a standardized way.

5. Risk of injury: Some maker projects involve the use of tools and materials that may pose a risk of injury to students.

6. Limited accessibility: Maker projects may not be accessible to all students, particularly those with disabilities or learning differences.

7. Limited time: Schools often have limited time and resources to devote to maker projects, which may limit the impact and scope of these projects.

8. Need for mentor staff: Maker or student-driven projects need adult or teen mentors to aide with both technical skills, obtaining materials, and project management,

Despite these criticisms, the Maker Movement can still be a valuable learning experience for students, particularly if it is implemented in a way that addresses these concerns, such as by de-emphasizing the use of expensive or dangerous tools and equipment.