Making observations: Co-design of an observation tool for and with maker educators

In this paper, we share and reflect on the co-development of an assessment tool for educators; an observation tool to identify evidence of learning and engagement in a museum and library makerspaces. Through a collaborative and iterative design process with educators, we co-developed, revised, and refined an observation tool to be used by maker educators, researchers, and evaluators. Through this process, we evolved roles that leveraged the strengths and perspectives of both the researchers and educators involved. We also discuss implications for co-design as an approach for professional learning of informal educators.