Little Builders

In an attempt to transform Thailand into a technology-driven and low inequality nation, the government has pushed forward “Thailand 4.0” economic model, which focuses on innovation and a value-based economy. However, little attention has been given to public education. To reduce inequality, people from all communities--especially from low-income communities--must have an opportunity to contribute to Thai economic mobility.

In Little Builders, we engage Thai public school teachers and elementary students to design and innovate constructionist projects for their own communities. The design of Little Builders builds upon the constructionist framework and participatory research methods to empower students to be in a designer role and creatively create social inventions that would solve problems in their community. Drawing on literature from culturally responsive pedagogy, this project will address research questions about a) how students’ relationship with the community impacts their persistence and engagement throughout the making process. We also explore b) how students take on a creator identity when they are building solutions for community challenges and c) how teachers and community members perceive their students as contributors for the betterment of the community after creating social solutions.

For more information see check out the Little Builders website and our recent publications!