Killeen, Texas
September 2023
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Dear Pershing Park Elementary School administrators and teachers,
My name is María Santiago Rivera and I currently work as a Parent Liaison at Pershing Park Elementary School, a part of Killeen Independent School District . I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and I am currently starting my Master's in Applied Digital Learning, from Lamar University located in Beaumont, Texas.
As part of my studies, it is very important to do research based on learning, and using technology for the development of new knowledge in students.Based on the data provided in my practical research and considering the revised theory, without neglecting the needs of the students, I present to you my innovative proposal: "Teaching STEM using Maker Space in Elementary School".
I would like to do this research because, through my time in various elementary schools, I have noticed a challenge with the integration and optimal development of the STEM components. The problem I see and would like to address is the lack of incorporation of STEM education during the elementary stage which affects the process of teaching STEM in middle and high school.
I propose incorporating the use of maker spaces in which a group of students or several groups come together to share knowledge, solve problems and collaborate to develop products. The maker space can include simple creative stations with basic construction tools, such as building tools, Legos, cardboard, wood, or even basic robot kits. Online applications such as Codemoji can be used to promote creativity and idea generation among students wishing to use electronics. We will start with small projects or classroom activities that encourage students to think innovatively to solve problems. Maker spaces are activated and help students learn using their hands. -on and mental strategies, while encouraging self-directed learning. Students take leadership in their learning and develop their critical thinking skills aimed at solving challenges. A maker space will be successful as long as the technology, regardless of its complexity, allows students to think independently and transform their ideas into realities.
Since this generation has different interests than past generations, I propose a blended learning approach that incorporates both traditional and innovative teaching methods. This will help make the process enjoyable and engaging for the students while maintaining the conventional educational system, and obtaining many learning benefits for our students.
My goal is to help my students have a clearer idea of what STEM is so that when they go to middle or high school and are asked to join the STEM program, they know what they are up against and all the benefits, while at the same time de-stressing and building on existing knowledge and new learning.
If you want more information about my research, you can search in the book: “Blended: Using disruptive innovation to improve schools”. By Michael B. Horn, Heather Staker and Clayton M. Christensen.
I remain at your complete disposal.
Att: Maria Santiago Rivera