INNOVATION AND STUDENT AGENCY IN LEARNING: THE “HANDS-ON” CULTURE THROUGH TEC MAKER IN BRAZILIAN SCHOOLS

Abstract

This research focuses on evaluating the influence of the “hands-on” culture (maker movement), with special attention to the Tec Cultura Maker initiative, on Brazil’s educational system, emphasizing how this practice fosters the emergence of creative talents and practical competencies among students. The maker concept, synthesized in the maxim “Do It Yourself,” is incorporated into educational institutions through an active and collaborative learning perspective. This philosophy encourages students to acquire knowledge through experimentation, construction, and the search for solutions to practical challenges. The method employed in this study consisted of a bibliographic survey of publications, works, and current research addressing the maker theme and its application in the school context. The analysis focused on its pedagogical consequences and the development of crucial skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and group synergy. It is concluded that the adoption of maker culture in the school environment has the potential to revolutionize national pedagogy. Such transformation aims to establish a more dynamic learning environment focused on students’ needs, actively contributing to the development of practical skills, greater engagement, and learner autonomy.