Schools and education institutions need to fulfil several roles in the lives of their students. Of course, the primary function is to provide an education and to meet the requirements of the curriculum and developmental needs of the pupils, but they can also offer so much more.
Schools should be places of safety and sanctuary, where young people develop social skills and build friendships and, perhaps more importantly, where their imagination and creativity can spark lifelong passions and interests. So, rather than just learning from books, it’s vital that teachers and schools provide the tools and environments for students to build, make and create.
This idea forms a crucial part of the STEM education philosophy. Through the pursuit of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, students can learn how to problem solve, develop critical analysis and channel their creativity in effective ways. One tool that ticks all of these boxes and more is a laser cutter. This allows students to realise their designs, see projects through from start to finish and develop core skills that will benefit them in their careers and beyond.
So, what are the benefits of laser cutting? Keep reading to discover how a laser cutter for schools in the UK can transform students’ lives.
Fire Their Imagination
Working on creative projects, whether they have a practical or artistic base, is a great way for students to let their imagination run wild. Giving students the space to come up with their own ideas and problem solve in a project environment is a great way to boost their creativity and inspire them to learn in new and exciting ways. It could also potentially help them discover a new passion or find a direction that could lead to a fulfilling career.
Safety First
Laser cutters can be a big investment but along with a boost in creativity, they also offer safe working environments to ensure the security of all staff and students on site. With no blades involved and machines designed to provide maximum safety during both operation and inactive periods, teachers are reassured that students can work independently on projects and explore their creativity, once suitable training has been carried out.
Problem-Solving Skills
Throughout the whole laser cutting process, students will need to develop creative solutions to problems they encounter while trying to realise their vision. It is this self-learning and problem-solving that will boost their inventiveness and help to develop the self-confidence they can carry into other areas of their education and careers. Working on these kinds of creative projects can be especially rewarding for students who tend to struggle academically. It allows them to interact with a different part of their personality and learn in more involved and intuitive ways. After all, we don’t all learn in the same way.
Greater Independence
Obviously, teachers need to be on hand to provide training, direction and supervision. But sometimes letting students work independently on their creative projects encourages them to learn for themselves, rather than through instruction. They will rely more on their creative ideas and gut feeling when it comes to making decisions, and learn from their mistakes – which can be invaluable experiences for later life.
As you can see, laser cutter projects for students can bring a range of advantages for both pupils and teachers. It offers a new way to learn outside of simple instruction, encouraging students to learn by doing, and helping them to develop the skills and understanding that will benefit them in their careers and wider lives. If you would like to know more about the benefits of laser cutter projects for schools, contact us and we’ll be happy to talk you through our products.
Image Source: Canva
