Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Advisor

Dr. Nicholas Wachira

Department

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Abstract

This research project investigates the effectiveness of integrating a MakerSpace intervention to enhance the creative writing skills of Grade 3 learners. Recognizing the importance of developing these skills in early education for communication, academic success, and critical thinking, the study addresses challenges faced by Grade 3 students in expressing thoughts effectively through writing. The proposed integration of MakerSpace technology is positioned as a transformative tool to unlock learners' linguistic potential and stimulate imagination. MakerSpace offers interactive tools, collaborative spaces, and self-directed learning opportunities, providing a comprehensive solution to obstacles hindering creative writing development. By incorporating MakerSpace into the curriculum, Grade 3 learners can improve language proficiency, vocabulary, grammar, and overall communication skills. The research project evaluates traditional teaching methods in Kenya, highlighting their limitations in cultivating a love for writing and nurturing proficient writers. The low performance in English Language Writing Skills among Grade 3 students underscores the need for effective and engaging teaching approaches. Insufficient exposure to diverse materials and challenges in comprehending English structures contribute to a lack of motivation among learners, impacting creative writing performance and academic achievements negatively. Through the implementation of a MakerSpace intervention, students engage in hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, encouraging exploration of their writing creativity and imagination. This intervention has the potential to increase student motivation and engagement, leading to improved creative writing skills and overall academic success. The research project employs qualitative methods, including observation, interviews, and document analysis, to examine the impact of the MakerSpace intervention on Grade 3 learners' creative writing proficiency. The study showed Grade 3 students' creative writing skills improved significantly when MakerSpace resources, particularly a digital picture book, were integrated using design thinking principles. This approach not only boosted writing abilities but also increased engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. Traditional teaching methods shifted to hands-on approaches, with teachers guiding student-driven exploration. MakerSpaces empowered learners, fostering ownership and confidence in expressing ideas. The enriched learning environment encouraged active participation, collaboration, and creativity, ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience. By bridging the gap between traditional teaching methods and innovative approaches like MakerSpace, this research aims to contribute practical insights to enhance creative writing skills among Grade 3 learners. The findings might inform educators and researchers in developing effective strategies to teach writing and promote active student participation in their learning journey.

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1

Last Page

125

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