46 Leah R. Mann, EdD implementation relies on several factors. Instruction can exist in a library or a classroom, and design challenges and learning experiences can be tied to curriculum or not. Despite the various approaches, common results can be reported. The elements these campuses have in common are as follows: they were designed with innovation in mind; they have flexible learning environments; and they are more open in concept compared to more traditional campuses. All of the observed lessons showed student collaboration, access to school-provided technology, and moderate student choice in the design of prototypes. Additionally, classroom observations showed that teachers needed to ask guiding questions to assist students with finding answers to questions and actively participate in the group. Makerspace learning and design focused instruction, according to these observations, works when students chose from a limited number of teacher-selected materials, rather than open-ended infinite choices. Teachers reported this strategy as necessary to ensuring students complete the challenge, as well as maintaining classroom behavior and procedures. However, none of the activities were examples of design thinking. While they incorporated elements of the process, students did not generate their own questions or formulate their own idea of a need based on observations they made. Based on word frequency in participants’ interviews, four themes were derived as seen in Table 1. By grouping the frequent words into themes, the researcher was able to develop four main areas that need to be considered when schools and districts are considering implementing their own makerspaces or developing lessons that teach design thinking. Observing how teachers instruct students in makerspace learning and design thinking, and using the identified themes as a guide, District and Campus A provided a more cohesive example of makerspace learning than the other participating districts and their respective campuses. The key differences for District and Campus A are the inclusion of Genius Hour at every campus; a line-item in each campus library budget for makerspace Themes Word Frequency • technology • activities • experiences • curriculum Instruction Table 1. Themes Based on Word Frequency • evaluation • conversations • expectations • understand Communication • librarians • specialists • administration (principals, superintendents) Personnel • intentional • specifically • innovative Vision
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