Traditional education needs a rethink. Building factual knowledge and providing tried-and-tested answers to existing problems served students well in the past when schools’ primary goal was to prepare them for life in the industrial economy. But this approach is no longer engaging or motivating for children, nor is it effective in navigating this brave new digital world.

The digital citizens of the future must be prepared to find solutions to challenges that might not even exist today, use technology to research, create and collaborate, and share their ideas with impact. This requires schools to equip students with hard skills they often lack themselves and soft skills that are near impossible to teach in a traditional classroom setting.

From lecture-based to problem-based learning According to the World Economic Forum, many of today’s students will work in jobs that do not yet exist. Still, it is
already clear that tech savvy is far from being the only skill they will need in the future. The Society of Human Resource Management has found that soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity are the top qualities employers miss in today’s job applicants, regardless of industry or job type.
Maker’s Red Box programmes foster problem- and inquiry-based learning and motivate children to find solutions using a mix of traditional crafts and digital technology by working together to achieve a larger goal. Building 3D printed cities, designing Mars rovers and laser-cutting robots give them a stronger drive to succeed, a greater awareness of their environment and a deeper understanding of the course material than any other form of instruction.
At the same time, team-based, hands-on creation challenges them to apply the essential four C’s of the 21st-century: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. Not only that, it also prepares them to become productive members of a global workforce and society; one where cross-border cooperation, understanding cultural diversity and using technology to connect with and learn from each other are absolute necessities.

Maker pedagogy is no longer a “nice to have” in education – it is a must. It is also doable. Maker’s Red Box programmes are more than simple course materials. They include comprehensive teacher’s guides and supporting digital content such as presentations and lines of code. In other words, everything educators need to plan, prepare for and manage a maker education course – besides an open mind and willingness to learn new technologies.

The courses do not require students to have any prior experience or special knowledge of maker technologies either. Through the use of “frame” stories, they become part of a narrative in a way that best suits their interests and abilities. Tested in various environments, from summer camps to weekly workshops, the materials are designed to help educators tailor courses to individual strengths and weaknesses.