What is a Makeathon?
A brief introduction to the methodology and approach.
What is a Makeathon?
Makeathons are an innovative and engaging way to empower young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st century. These intensive, multi-day collaborative workshops provide an immersive learning experience that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By working together on real-world challenges, participants gain hands-on experience with the principles and practices of STEM and STEAM fields while learning to communicate their ideas effectively and work in interdisciplinary teams.
The goal is to provide a supportive, challenging, and fun environment that inspires young learners to explore their interests and passions while fostering the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
During MTF Makeathons, participants work in teams to solve real-world challenges using STEAM concepts and tools. They have access to a wide range of resources, including expert mentors, prototyping technologies, micro boards and sensors, and craft/maker materials. Our program emphasises hands-on learning and encourages participants to experiment, take risks, and learn from each other.
Our pedagogical approach is based on the principles of experiential learning, which emphasise the importance of active engagement, reflection, and integration of knowledge. Makeathons are grounded in constructivist learning theory, which posits that learning is an active and collaborative process that involves the construction of knowledge and understanding through interaction with the environment and peers.
The educational goals of our Makeathons are to foster the development of STEAM literacy, including the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in the 21st-century workforce. Through the integration of STEAM concepts and tools, we aim to promote critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. We also strive to instil in young learners a passion for lifelong learning, as well as a sense of social responsibility and global awareness.
The interdisciplinary nature of Makeathons is a key factor in their effectiveness. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives, Makeathons can generate a wide range of ideas and solutions to complex problems. This collaborative approach also allows participants to learn from each other and develop a deeper understanding of different fields and perspectives.
In addition to their educational benefits, Makeathons are also a lot of fun! They provide a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a creative, high-energy environment and collaborate with like-minded individuals on projects that they are passionate about. The sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that comes from successfully completing a Makeathon can be a powerful motivator for participants to continue pursuing their interests and expanding their skills beyond the event itself.
By engaging in Makeathons, young people are not only gaining valuable skills and knowledge, but they are also developing a passion for learning and problem-solving that can stay with them throughout their lives. Makeathons are a powerful tool for fostering innovation, creativity, and critical thinking skills, and we believe they are an essential component of education and skills development in a world of rapidly emerging digital technologies.
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