Making Spaces Project IOE, UCL

@makingspaces.bsky.social

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Making Spaces is an international collaboration to develop and share inclusive and equitable practices in makerspaces. We are a partnership of researchers (based at IOE, UCL) and international ISL/ Makerspace practitioners. sihttps://m4kingspaces.or

In this newsletter: 3-STEP approach accredited trainer course update; new papers out now; Join us at ESERA 2025; Other news from the team
Image of a building with three rooms. In each room there are people working. Text in the image reads: Governance, Strategy, Practice: Equity embedded across all.
screen shot of the article publishing page. Article title: From STEM learning ecosystems to STEM learning markets: critically conceptualising relationships between formal and informal STEM learning provision.
Equitable pedagogy lightbulb illustration. Inside the lightbulb there are four segments: learning, engagement, values and principles.
THE VALUE OF DISCOMFORT (text box) Engaging in critical reflection can sometimes feel uncomfortable for many reasons. For instance, if you are from a more privileged background, then it can feel uncomfortable to recognise the many ways in which you benefit from existing power relations, particularly when this is at the expense of others. It can also be an uncomfortable reminder of painful experiences for those who suffer from societal injustices. As a professional, it can also feel uncomfortable to have your usual way of doing things questioned. But discomfort can be hugely productive and a welcome sign that you are on the right track. When you embrace this discomfort and bravely engage in thoughtful critical reflection it can greatly deepen your practice and understanding. However, we recognise that this process takes time and commitment – equity work is a journey and an ongoing process, it is not a simple tick-box exercise.
Promotion image of the event. Text says I'm speaking at the UK Computing Summit 2025, next to an image of professor Louise Archer (White female wearing glasses). At the bottom of the image are the event sponsor logos, BCS, CPHC and UKCRC.
Illustration showing a brain with a door, and a path leading up to the door. On the path are stick people walking up and down. One of the people stands at the end of the path with a flag. Text around the path says "we are works in progress!" and "An Equity mindset is a Journey!"
Quote with image of young person writing at a desk. Quote from a youth participant reads: Using the skills I got from participating in the makerspace, my career has been propelled forwards in ways that I could not even imagine. My life has change drastically.
Quote with image. Quote reads: I have always found it difficult as a woman in this field, because it is a male dominated sector. This project provided an opportunity to share these ideas with my colleagues [...] it has helped normalise these issues within our organisation.