Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: CASSIANO HENRIQUE DE ALBUQUERQUE

SPACE 4.0: Contributions to learning for students in maker environment of the Federal Institute of Alagoas

Maker Space; Meaningful Learning; Espaço 4.0; Maker Education;
Technological Education.

This thesis investigates the impact of Makerspaces in the educational context.
The need for research emerges from the growing importance of collaborative and
innovative environments that combine advanced technologies and innovative
methodologies, aiming to promote active and meaningful learning that prepares
students to face the challenges of the contemporary world. The primary objective of
this research is to analyze the impacts of Space 4.0 on student learning, both in initial
and continuing education. Specifically, the research aims to map the models of
Makerspaces existing in Brazil, identify scenarios of significant learning, investigate
the learning process of students in these environments, and analyze students' self-
perception regarding their performance. The adopted methodology encompasses a
systematic review of the literature, complemented by field research, which has a
quantitative focus, although it incorporates some qualitative elements. This field
research was conducted in six campuses of the Federal Institute of Alagoas (IFAL),
with students aged 15 to 29 years. Data collection was conducted through
questionnaires and monthly reports, which provided detailed information on the
experiences and perceptions of the students and monitors involved in the Space 4.0.
The preliminary results indicate the existence of a diversity of Makerspace models in
Brazil, reflecting a variety of initiatives and strategies to promote maker culture. The
majority of student participants in the study come from public schools, with a gender
balance and notable racial diversity among the participants. The initial data points to a
positive impact of Space 4.0 in promoting active learning, emphasizing aspects such
as creativity, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. This research underlines the
relevance of Makerspaces as fertile grounds for educational innovation, in line with the
demands of Industry 4.0. The preliminary results suggest that these spaces are
significant for the development of fundamental skills, such as creativity, collaboration,
critical thinking, and problem-solving. The investigation will continue until more detailed
and conclusive results are obtained.