Global & Cultural Understanding

Maker-Centered Learning and the Development of Self: Preliminary Findings of AbD

Over the last two years we have simultaneously pursued three strands of work: 1) a review of pertinent literature; 2) interviews and site visits with leading maker educators; and 3) action research and concept development. We’re now commencing our third year of work. Our active data collection stage is over. We are well into an analysis of our results and are currently preparing several publications—including a book. However, in the put-it-out-there-and-tweak-as-you-go spirit of the maker movement, we offer this white paper as a preliminary glimpse at the emergent findings from our work, and as an open invitation to the maker educator community to continue to connect with us and share ideas.

Core Learning Journey Curricula

Out of Eden Learn is Project Zero’s unique online learning community designed to accompany Paul Salopek’s Out of Eden Walk. Classes, after school programs, and young people from around the world are clustered into small, diverse learning groups to undergo a “learning journey” together. They complete weekly activities, post their responses, and read and respond to others’ posts. Our community is open to all schools and students, free of charge. These curricular units guide participants through "the Present and the Local" and "the Past and the Global" elements of Out of Eden Learn.

The Many Stories Library Project: Sharing Untold Stories of Who We Are

Engaging City Hall: Children as Citizens

An article by Krechevsky, Mardell, & Romans putting forth a view of young children as citizens.

When Change Has Legs

Perkins, D. N., & Reese, J. D. (2014). When change has legs. Educational Leadership,71(8), 42-47.

From the introduction: "Initiatives to improve teaching and learning remind us of New Year's resolutions. They often launch at the beginning of the year—the school year. They commence with a cherished vision of possibility and a spirit of commitment. They begin with genuine progress. But most New Year's resolutions fail. And similarly, many initiatives to improve teaching and learning prove shaky in the long term."