New Perspectives in Science Education
Mao Saito
Institution: Shumei University
Country: Japan
Mao Saito is an undergraduate student at the Faculty of Education, Shumei University, aspiring to become an elementary school teacher.Her research interests focus on STEM education, with an emphasis on student motivation, active learning, and hands-on educational environments.Her previous research includes:The Classification of Physical Play and Its Impact on Learning MotivationInvestigated the influence of Niwa et al.'s (1998) five types of physical play on student engagement and skill development.
Examined how different forms of play, such as challenge play and motor skill acquisition play, contribute to learning motivation.
Student Motivation and Learning OrientationsAnalyzed Ichikawa's (1998) classification of learning motivation, particularly the relationship between perceived importance of learning content and utilitarian factors such as rewards and penalties.
Identified key motivational factors that drive self-directed learning.
At this international conference, she will present her latest study, "The Role of a School-Based FabLab (s-Lab) in Fostering Student Learning and Making Skills."
This research investigates how students acquire knowledge and technical competencies in an s-Lab environment by analyzing learning activity logs, conducting semi-structured interviews, and applying qualitative and statistical analyses. The study explores how different types of activities and motivational triggers influence student engagement, autonomy, and skill development. Furthermore, she will discuss the essential conditions for optimizing learning experiences in an s-Lab and its role in supporting self-directed and collaborative learning.
Areas of expertise: STEAM Education, s-Lab, Student Motivation, Active Learning
Examined how different forms of play, such as challenge play and motor skill acquisition play, contribute to learning motivation.
Student Motivation and Learning OrientationsAnalyzed Ichikawa's (1998) classification of learning motivation, particularly the relationship between perceived importance of learning content and utilitarian factors such as rewards and penalties.
Identified key motivational factors that drive self-directed learning.
At this international conference, she will present her latest study, "The Role of a School-Based FabLab (s-Lab) in Fostering Student Learning and Making Skills."
This research investigates how students acquire knowledge and technical competencies in an s-Lab environment by analyzing learning activity logs, conducting semi-structured interviews, and applying qualitative and statistical analyses. The study explores how different types of activities and motivational triggers influence student engagement, autonomy, and skill development. Furthermore, she will discuss the essential conditions for optimizing learning experiences in an s-Lab and its role in supporting self-directed and collaborative learning.
Areas of expertise: STEAM Education, s-Lab, Student Motivation, Active Learning
