@article{article_916442, title={Makerspace: Innovation in Mechanical Engineering Education}, journal={Yükseköğretim ve Bilim Dergisi}, volume={11}, pages={207–213}, year={2021}, author={Bengu, Elif and Keçeci, Emin Faruk}, keywords={makerspace, yükseköğretim, mühendislik eğitimi, inovasyon, yaparak öğrenme}, abstract={The complexity of industrial developments requires engineering students to have hands on experience as well as theoretical engineering <br />knowledge. There is a need for a change of classical engineering curriculums. Makerspaces can be a crucial part of this change. They are <br />introduced as physical locations where engineering student’s curiosity is fed and solutions to problems are found through teamwork. Their <br />use in higher education can also provide an opportunity for students to engage in experiential learning. They can develop a large range of <br />soft skills that traditional undergraduate curriculum is unable to provide, such as planning, teamwork, critical thinking and communication. <br />There are still limited studies about the full effect and impact of these spaces in teaching and learning, from the pedagogical perspective. <br />The aim of this study is to determine students’ experiences with such spaces and examine how makerspaces are contributing to their <br />learning. Descriptive research method (one-on-one interviews and normative survey) were used to evaluate students, graduate assistants <br />and a faculty members’ perception of the space and depict the situation. The results of this study showed that students want more than <br />theoretical knowledge from their engineering education. They want to be able to gain hands on experience while they are learning theory. <br />While designing a makerspace for that purpose, the sustainability and the functioning of these spaces should be taken into consideration. <br />The findings of this study can provide guidance for the institutions that are planning to build a makerspace in their campuses.}, number={1}, publisher={Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi}, organization={Department of the Scientific Research Projects, Abdullah Gul University}