Nurturing a student-led community of learning in an academic makerspace: how to support extracurricular experiential learning

This work-in-progress paper examines an innovative practice to develop peer-led learning and teaching in an extracurricular setting. While peer-led learning has been used to supplement and support course instruction for many years, models and best practices for an extracurricular setting are not well known. Previous peer learning and teaching methods found throughout science and engineering education are examined. Based on findings from a student-led learning community, a series of interventions to support training and persuasive skills of peer instructors is outlined. Data and initial observations indicate a growth in attendance and consistency in peer teaching. The study and interventions are set in a large university makerspace, where the student teaching assistants lead workshops.