Exploring Factors That Influence Computational Thinking Skills in Elementary Students’ Collaborative Robotics

2021 ◽  
pp. 073563312199247
Author(s):  
William H. Stewart ◽  
Youngkyun Baek ◽  
Gina Kwid ◽  
Kellie Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Educational Setting ◽  
School Students ◽  
Collaborative Robotics ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
5Th Grade

Recently educational robotics has expanded into curriculum beyond traditional STEM fields, and which can also be used to foster computational thinking (CT) skills. Prior research has shown numerous interdisciplinary benefits related to CT, however, these influential factors have often been investigated with relatively few variables. This study investigated factors that may lead to 4th and 5th grade elementary school students’ development of computational thinking skills in collaborative robotics activities by hypothesizing a model which proposed that a problem solving inventory, intrinsic motivation, and enjoyment were the main predictors of computational thinking skills. The model was then tested by surveying students with several psychometric inventories where a revised model was then constructed. The study found significant relationships between perceived competence and enjoyment, and learning motivation, and intrinsic motivation. Another important finding was that problem solving was a significant predictor of computational thinking skills. Results were interpreted with reference to implications for possible means of improving learning outcomes when using collaborative robotics in an educational setting.

scholarly journals Effects of Robotics Instructional Methods on Computational Thinking Skills of Middle School Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Patrick Cook
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Instructional Methods ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Peer Collaboration ◽  
School Students ◽  
Problem Solving Strategies ◽  
K 12

As a tangible and motivating medium for students to engage in computational thinking, robotics has drawn interest from educators and researchers as K-12 schools continue to integrate STEM into curriculum. Through this mixed methods study, the researcher sought to explore the effects of robotics instructional methods (task-based and project-based) on the computational thinking skills of middle school students, including the problem-solving strategies used and the role of peer collaboration. The quantitative results of this study indicated no significant difference in the computational thinking skills of students participating in task-based or project-based robotics instruction. Interviews consisted of open-ended questions in which problem-solving and collaboration in robotics were explored from the perspectives of the participants. In both groups, problem-solving strategies encompassed all aspects of computational thinking as students took an iterative approach to problem-solving in both tasks and projects. Peer collaboration was naturally occurring and frequent among both groups. In task-based robotics instruction, peer collaboration and problem-solving strategies were primarily focused on the programming of the robot. In project-based robotics, peer collaboration and problem-solving strategies were applied throughout the entire design process, including the building and the programming of the robot. Through this study, the researcher hoped to provide a roadmap for the implementation of robotics in schools for K-8 students. As schools are increasingly seeking ways to integrate robotics into school curriculum, further research in this area on a larger scale is recommended.

scholarly journals Analysis of Programming Skills Concept in Developing Problem Solving Skills

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
Rina Harimurti ◽  
Ekohariadi Ekohariadi ◽  
Munoto Munoto ◽  
I Gusti Putu Asto B ◽  
Elizabeth Titiek Winanti
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Programming Languages ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
School Students ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Programming Skills

Programming refers to a set of processes of writing, testing and correcting the program code aimed at creating a program that can do certain works in accordance with the programmer’s instructions, it requires the mastery of algorithms, logic and programming languages. This study discusses the concept of programming skills to develop problem solving skills, which focuses on secondary school students. Various activities allow students to collaborate and develop problem solutions. Some previous studies suggest that students can obtain knowledge and programming skills through formal and non-formal education even though formal education shows better results of students’ attainments. Given a basic programming skills, students are expected to have a high level of reasoning for their better problem solving skills to solve complex problems using computers through an integrated approach between thinking skills and computational thinking (CT). Computer programming has the effect of reasoning abilities for students, problem solving and self-efficacy. Currently, programming-based computation has been introduced in school curriculum at different levels. Consequently, teachers are required to teach relevant materials relevantly to the current curriculum.

The Interplay Between Mathematical and Computational Thinking in Primary School Students’ Mathematical Problem-Solving Within a Programming Environment

2021 ◽  
pp. 073563312097993
Author(s):  
Zhihao Cui ◽  
Oi-Lam Ng
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Mathematical Thinking ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Mathematical Problem ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Programming Environment ◽  
Primary School Students ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mathematical Concepts ◽  
Block Based

In this paper, we explore the challenges experienced by a group of Primary 5 to 6 (age 12–14) students as they engaged in a series of problem-solving tasks through block-based programming. The challenges were analysed according to a taxonomy focusing on the presence of computational thinking (CT) elements in mathematics contexts: preparing problems, programming, create computational abstractions, as well as troubleshooting and debugging. Our results suggested that the challenges experienced by students were compounded by both having to learn the CT-based environment as well as to apply mathematical concepts and problem solving in that environment. Possible explanations for the observed challenges stemming from differences between CT and mathematical thinking are discussed in detail, along with suggestions towards improving the effectiveness of integrating CT into mathematics learning. This study provides evidence-based directions towards enriching mathematics education with computation.

scholarly journals Improving Novice Students’ Computational Thinking Skills by Problem-Solving and Metacognitive Techniques

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 88-108
Author(s):  
Nor Hasbiah Ubaidullah ◽  
Zulkifley Mohamed ◽  
Jamilah Hamid ◽  
Suliana Sulaiman ◽  
Rahmah Lob Yussof
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Metacognitive Skills ◽  
Thinking Skill ◽  
Novice Students ◽  
Programming Courses

Admittedly, the teaching and learning of programming courses in the computer science and information technology programs have been extremely challenging. Currently, most instructors depend on either the problem-solving technique or the metacognitive technique to help students develop a range of cognitive skills, including metacognitive skills, which are important in the development of a strong computational thinking skill required for 21st-century learning. Studies focusing on the practices of instructors in using both techniques are scarce, thus motivating the researchers to carry out this study. This study was based on a qualitative approach involving a case-study design in which five (5) male and five (5) female instructors were selected from 10 pre-university centers in Malaysia as the respondents and participants in an intervention program. The research instruments used were an interview checklist and intervention guidelines. As anticipated, the findings showed that the activities of each technique could only help students develop certain sub-skills of the computational thinking skill, thus underscoring the need for instructors to integrate both techniques in their teaching practices. Thus, it could be reasoned that using either the metacognitive technique or the problem-solving technique alone would not be sufficient to help students develop strong computational thinking skills, as each technique has its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it becomes imperative for instructors to leverage the strengths of both techniques by integrating both of them in the teaching and learning of programming courses.

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