About MakersLoft

MakersLoft is an organization that is championing “hands-on learning” in K-12 education in India. Our vision is to make STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Education enjoyable and relevant for students.

We have trained over 16,500 students across India, in STEM programs like Robotics, Creative Building, Coding, Web Designing, App Designing, 3D Printing etc. We conduct in-school and after-school training programs for school students from age 2-15 years. We train students across the world online as well as at our centre and schools in Kolkata.

Our programs develop 21st century skills like creativity, teamwork, logical thinking, critical thinking, analytical skills and empathy in children. Our pedagogy “learning-by-doing” allows students to become active learners as it engages their hands as well as mind. Children learn best when they are engaged. In all our training programs students carry out physical activities, rather than listening to a lecture or reading text books.

We help schools setup design, innovation, Robotics and 3D Printing labs. We also train school teachers in our hands-on learning programs.schools setup design, innovation, Robotics and 3D Printing labs. We also train school teachers in our hands-on learning programs.

Since 2015, we have trained over 8000 students from these schools in Kolkata:

Akshar
Ashok Hall School
Birla High School
Cambridge International School
Calcutta International School
Delhi Public School
Don Bosco Park Circus
La Martiniere for Boys
La Martiniere for Girls
Lakshmipat Singhania Academy
Loreto House
Mahadevi Birla World Academy

Modern High School
The Newtown School
South City International School
South Point School
Sri Sri Academy
St Xaviers’ School
St James’ School
St Lawrence High School
St Thomas’ School
Sushila Birla School
The Heritage School and more…

Our focus is on ‘process’ (of learning) rather than ‘product’ (what is made) or output (grades). We differ from conventional education and activity centers in the following ways:

• Learning across age groups: Children learn faster simply by observing adults or older kids who they see as role models . In traditional education contexts children spend most of the time with their own age group. At MakersLoft kids get plenty of opportunities to interact with out expert trainers, mentors and coaches who are talented individuals from engineering, creative and other professional backgrounds. For instance, we recently held a Robotics competition where middle school students competed with engineering students from IIT. In the process, the younger children learned about new robotic techniques and technologies.

• Group skills: One of the most important factors to success in life, whether in professional or personal settings, is the ability to working effectively with other people. It has been seen that most successful CEOs of companies are people played group sports while growing up. In the Indian education setup and with nuclear family structures, there are not many opportunities for group work, most of the learning happens at an individual level. At MakersLoft, we have deliberately embedded group projects in our modules so children get an opportunity to learn how to work collaboratively with others.

• Self-directed learning: We provide an environment where kids are given full freedom of being creative and taking ownership. Instead of giving step-by-step instructions, we try to inspire them to be curious and let them figure out themselves. This develops in children a habit for self-learning and independent problem solving – an essential life skill for the 21st century. Check out the video below as an example of something made by a student member using his own creativity, rather than building from a manual.

• Using Technology for learning: All kids are attracted to technology and gadgets. We try to leverage this interest to make children active creators of technology rather than passive consumers. So instead of playing video games, they could learn how to make one. There are a variety of tools like Scratch and Makey Makey with which even 7 year olds can make computer programs and cool projects using everyday things. Check out this video as an example.