Researchers as Makers: Exploring the Role of Making in Academic Research

Abstract

This workshop will provide a unique opportunity to consider how making and fixing, practices which frequently take place during the course of academic research, can provide unique, different and insightful research perspectives. To actively explore the connection between making and research, each participant will be asked to create a tangible artifact prior to the workshop which will serve as an embodiment of his/her research or some aspect of this research. The term tangible artifact is used broadly here and can include artifacts produced using various mediums. The guiding questions are: 1) How can the process of making challenge us to be more self-reflective and critical about the research we are conducting? 2) Can making add a dimension of tangibility to research that is distinct from other research activities? 3) How can reflecting on making and telling stories about the making process illuminate and stimulate learning and assist in research conceptualization?