This study aims to analyze the effect of a practical arts-based maker education program on the problem-solving ability and creativity of elementary school students. For this purpose, fifth graders were divided into experimental and comparative groups. Maker education programs were provided to the experimental group, and curriculum-oriented making classes were provided to the comparative group. The t-test was used to analyze the differences in problem-solving and creativity between the groups.
The results were as follows. First, the maker education program applied to the practical arts making activities had a positive impact on improving the problem-solving ability of elementary school students. With regard to the subfactors, the maker education program was effective in exploring and analyzing alternatives and in improving the ability to reflect on behavior. Second, the program had a positive impact on improving the creativity of elementary school students. In terms of the subfactors, the program was effective in improving fluency, flexibility, and intrinsic motivation.
The results suggest that, to apply maker education to practical education, theoretical research that explores the applicability of maker education and practical research to verify the effectiveness of maker education programs must be conducted simultaneously