A Three-Step Guide to Equitable Makerspaces

Make equity and inclusion a priority in makerspaces

Makerspaces are quickly becoming an integral part of educational and innovative ecosystems, offering invaluable hands-on learning experiences and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. But far too often, equity issues are poorly understood or seen as a secondary consideration, with practitioners lacking the tools and support needed to make a difference.

Evidence suggests that making equity a central, core issue can help makerspaces become more vibrant hubs of creativity, fostering a rich talent of diverse communities.

Transform makerspaces today

This three-week course from University College London is a one-stop-shop to transform your makerspaces into an inclusive space that welcomes and reflects a diverse membership.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to develop a comprehensive plan of action that puts equity front and centre in your makerspace.

Prepare, do, evaluate: Applying equitable mindsets in makerspaces

After understanding the importance of equity, you’ll be asked to reflect on equity issues relating to practices within your makerspace, before identifying action areas.

Utilise case studies as you learn about four distinct methods of implementing an equitable mindset: co-production, equitable governance; inclusive access and outreach; and equitable pedagogy.

Learn from the experts at University College London (UCL)

UCL is committed to fostering equity in learning and professional settings. Their experts are committed to offering equity-centred courses that are accessible and applicable to all.

Once you’ve finished this course, consider joining another at FutureLearn, including UCL’s Equity in Informal STEM Learning: Using the Equity Compass.

This course is designed to support makerspace practitioners, organisation leaders, funders, educators, and facilitators, in developing their skills to foster more equitable makerspaces.

This course is designed to support makerspace practitioners, organisation leaders, funders, educators, and facilitators, in developing their skills to foster more equitable makerspaces.

• Develop critical reflection in relation to makerspace practice.
• Identify key action areas and how they can support equitable practice
• Access and critically select which tools to use to evaluate equitable and inclusive practice
• Develop a plan to put the three steps into practice