scholarly journals Epistemological, Psychological, Neurosciences, and Cognitive Essence of Computational Thinking

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-38
Author(s):  
Osman Yasar
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Change ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Inductive Reasoning ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Information Storage ◽  
K 12

The construct of computational thinking (CT) was popularized a decade ago as an “attitude and skillset” for everyone. However, since it is equated with thinking by computer scientists, the teaching of these skills poses many challenges at K-12 because of their reliance on the use of electronic computers and programming concepts that are often found too abstract and difficult by young students. This article links CT – i.e., thinking generated and facilitated by a computational device – to our typical fundamental cognitive processes by using a model of mind that is aligned with research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience and supported by a decade of empirical data on teaching and learning. Our model indicates that associative and distributive aspects of information storage, retrieval, and processing by a computational mind is the very essence of thinking, particularly deductive and inductive reasoning. We all employ these cognitive processes but not everyone uses them as iteratively, consistently, frequently, and methodologically as scientists. Some scientists have even employed electronic computing tools to boost deductive and inductive uses of their computational minds to expedite the cycle of conceptual change in their work. In this article, we offer a theoretical framework that not only describes the essence of computational thinking but also links it to scientific thinking. We recommend teaching students cognitive habits of conceptual change and reasoning prior to teaching them skills of using electronic devices. Empirical data from a five-year study involving 300 teachers and thousands of students suggests that such an approach helps improve students’ critical thinking skills as well as their motivation and readiness to learn electronic CT skills.

A Compass During the Storm: Offering Students Critical Rigor for Polarizing Times

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Wender ◽  
Valerie J. D’Erman
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Civic Engagement ◽  
Political Science ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Objective ◽  
First Year

ABSTRACT Teaching and learning in higher education is occurring, unavoidably, within the broader civic context of today’s extraordinarily polarizing political times. We seek to help students situate themselves with respect to and, above all, thoughtfully assess others’ as well as their own perspectives on issues of profound contention, without contributing to exacerbated polarization ourselves. Specifically, we offer students in our first-year exploratory political science course a vital tool—critical rigor—for navigating but not being inundated by the storm. This article discusses our experiences in teaching the course titled, “The Worlds of Politics,” as we attempt to help students deeply engage in cognitive processes of critical thinking and analysis, without undue infringement from their own—and least of all our own—personal political biases. Our focal learning objective is the cultivation of critical-thinking skills that promote students’ drawing of distinctions between advocacy and analysis, as well as their discerning civic engagement.

Impacts of International Baccalaureate programmes on teaching and learning: A review of the literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anisah Dickson ◽  
Laura B. Perry ◽  
Susan Ledger
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
International Baccalaureate ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Additional Stress ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
The Impact

International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes are growing rapidly worldwide, driven in part by their global reputation and concept-driven, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. This thematic review of a range of literature sources examines the impact of IB programmes on teaching and learning, highlighting trends, challenges, and benefits. Findings of the review revealed that most of the studies, both qualitative and quantitative, examined stakeholders’ perspectives or self-reported experiences of IB programmes; a very small number used research designs that control for confounding factors or allow causal inferences to be drawn. A wide range of stakeholders report that IB programmes develop research and critical thinking skills, intercultural appreciation and global awareness, as well as cultivate collaborative working cultures and creative pedagogical practices among teachers. Challenges include extra demands on teachers for lesson planning and assessment, additional stress for teachers and students, and competing demands and expectations with national requirements. Recommendations are provided which may guide future research endeavours.

scholarly journals Beyond the Museum Walls: Developing Inexpensive Discovery Trunks for k-12

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. e25925
Author(s):  
Julia Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Inquiry Learning ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Analytical Skills ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
State Educational ◽  
Problem Solvers ◽  
K 12

Discovery Trunks - specimen-based educational kits - use museum collections and standardized curricula to catalyze critical thinking skills through inquiry learning. Inquiry learning facilitates the development of new knowledge by examining a novel situation in light of past experience - a crucial skill for a child in today’s unpredictable world. Inquiry learning empowers students by making them stronger and more confident in their discovery and synthesis of information. Discovery Trunks enhance learning opportunities for students, promote the parent institutions, and develop new audiences by taking the institutional mission beyond classroom walls. Such Trunks contain authentic, real world objects and inquiry lessons that align with state educational standards. Discovery Trunks encourage contemplative analytical skills, thoughtful communication, thorough exploration of a topic, and cultivate a citizenry of open-minded problem solvers. Through inquiry-based learning, we see key components of this personal investigation exemplified through student-centered, student-driven activities that connect new knowledge and prior knowledge. This presentation will deconstruct these multidisciplinary kits and their contents to guide museum professionals to explore effective, high value, low cost materials and methods to produce and advertise educational kits to the community. Offered as an essential outreach component, these educational kits cultivate tomorrow’s thinkers, movers, and laborers in an ever-changing society.

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.

scholarly journals Upaya Meningkatkan Teknik Dasar Pasing Atas Bola Voli Mini melalui Bantuan Tutor Sebaya Siswa kelas IV SD Negeri Balongwono Kecamatan Trowulan Kabupaten Mojokerto Tahun 2018/2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-108
Author(s):  
Sugemi Sugemi
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Peer Tutors ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Academic Year

Physical education is basically an integral part of the education system as a whole which aims to develop aspects of health, physical fitness, critical thinking skills, emotional stability, social skills, reasoning and moral action through physical activities and sports. The purpose of this study was to improve learning outcomes for grade V SD Negeri Balongwono, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency through the assistance of peer tutors. The research was conducted at SD Negeri Balongwono, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency in the first semester of the 2018/2019 academic year, from March 2019 to April 2019. The subjects of this study were GRADE V SD Negeri Balongwono, Mojokerto Regency in the 2018/2019 academic year, namely 26 people who above: 16 boys and 10 girls. Sources of data used in Graderoom Action Research (PTK) are as follows: 1. Data on learning outcomes above, obtained from students; 2. Teacher activity data, obtained from events during the teaching and learning activities in progress; 3. Student activity data, obtained from events during the teaching and learning activities; 4. Data on the implementation of teaching and learning activities with the help of peer tutors, obtained from events during the teaching and learning activities. The data analyzed included quantitative data (by presenting numbers as a measure of achievement), and qualitative data (presenting numbers as a comparison). Data analysis was carried out in a descriptive comparative manner which aims to compare the conditions before and after the learning corrective action was taken. The stages in the action of analyzing data include data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Based on the data analysis of the basic technique of passing on mini volleyball for Grade V students of SD Negeri Balongwono, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency, 2018/2019 academic year, the following results can be obtained: 1. In the pre-action of 26 students, there were 11 students (42%) who completed learning. 2. At the end of the first cycle of 26 students, there were 19 students (73%) who had finished learning. 3. At the end of the second cycle of 26 students, 23 students (88%) have completed learning. Thus it can be concluded that the application of the peer tutor assistance method can improve the basic techniques of fitting for the V-grade mini volleyball of the V-grade students of SD Negeri Balongwono, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency, 2018/2019 Academic Year.

VALIDITY OF LEARNING TOOLS TO MEASURE CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS OF MADRASAH TSANAWIYAH STUDENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
Nurul Hidayati ◽  
Elly Yustina ◽  
Sri Hendra Suryani ◽  
Juli Eka Nugraheni
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Learning Models ◽  
Teaching Process ◽  
Validation Criteria ◽  
Final Score ◽  
The Subject

The success of a teaching process cannot be separated from the learning tools used, one of the requirements is that the learning tools must be valid. The success of a teaching process is measured by the extent to which students can master the subject matter presented by the teacher. A learning model is needed that can make it easier to develop critical thinking skills so that a truly valid learning tool is obtained to measure the potential and skills that exist in students. Among the learning models that emphasize the process of seeking and finding is the inquiry model. This study aims to prepare in measuring critical thinking skills of Madrasah Tsanawiyah students. The Learning Toolkit has been validated by 3 experts and will then be averaged to find the final score. The values obtained will be entered into the validation criteria table based on the validation criteria table and the results are that the tools made are very valid and can be used in the teaching and learning process because previously the tools made have been revised several times. Keywords: validity, learning tools, critical thinking skills AbstrakKeberhasilan suatu proses pengajaran tidak terlepas dari perangkat pembelajaran yang digunakan, salah satu persyaratan adalah perangkat pembelajaran harus valid. Keberhasilan suatu proses pengajaran diukur dari sejauh mana siswa dapat menguasai materi pelajaran yang disampaikan guru. Diperlukan suatu model pembelajaran yang dapat memudahkan dalam mengembangkan perangkat keterampilan berpikir kritis sehingga didapatkan suatu perangkat pembelajaran yang benar-benar valid untuk mengukur potensi dan keterampilan yang ada pada diri siswa. Diantara model pembelajaran yang menekankan kepada proses mencari dan menemukan adalah model inkuiri. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempersiapkan dalam mengukur keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa Madrasasah Tsanawiyah. Perangkat Pembelajaran sudah divalidasi oleh 3 orang ahli kemudian akan dirata-ratakan untuk mencari nilai akhir. Nilai yang didapat akan dimasukkan ke dalam tabel kriteria validasi diberdasarkan tabel kriteria validasi dan hasilnya perangkat yang dibuat termasuk sangat valid dan dapat digunakan dalam proses belajar mengajar karena sebelumnya perangkat yang dibuat sudah dilakukan beberapa kali revisi.  Kata kunci: kevalidan, perangkat pembelajaran, keterampilan berpikir kritis

Reflecting on Portfolio Development

2013 ◽  
pp. 197-211
Author(s):  
Hea-Jin Lee ◽  
Leah Herner-Patnode
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Portfolio Assessment ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Assessment Procedure ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Web Based

This study adopted portfolio assessment as a means of deepening pre-service teachers’ understanding of teaching and learning. The ultimate goal of using the portfolio was to bring the program in line with the mission of the institute, the criteria of the NCATE and INTASC, and the standards of the Ohio State License. This study discusses the challenge of implementing a year-long portfolio assessment procedure, as well as investigating how the exit portfolio assessment plays a role in facilitating pre-service teachers’ professional growth in terms of knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Results indicate that preservice teachers considered the capstone portfolio as a tool for reflection, which helped them improve critical thinking skills, self-assessment, and advancement. Also, the portfolio process helped teacher candidates develop a professional identity and promote teaching. Overall, there was growth and improvement in knowledge, skills, and dispositions toward teaching, the role of a teacher and learner, and using the web-based portfolio process.

Empirical Representations in Multimedia Materials

2005 ◽  
pp. 158-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Kawachi
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Transactional Distance ◽  
Learning Contexts

A multimedia construct for learning based on the Theory of Transactional Distance has been developed consisting of four stages of decreasing transactional distance. This model has been applied in various teaching and learning contexts, on- and off-line, and its validation was investigated. Results confirmed in practice the four distinct sequential stages. Difficulties were discovered in navigating through the collaborative second and third stages, consistent with findings from related studies on acquiring critical thinking skills. Specific areas for attention were identified to promote learning using multimedia.

Analyzing Current Visual Tools and Methodologies of Computer Programming Teaching in Primary Education

2018 ◽  
pp. 201-229
Author(s):  
Serhat Altiok ◽  
Erman Yükseltürk
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Computer Programming ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Visual Programming ◽  
General Description ◽  
Programming Tools ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Pedagogical Approaches

In our age, computational thinking that involves understanding human behavior and designing systems for solving problems is important as much as reading, writing and arithmetic for everyone. Computer programming is one of the ways that could be promote the process of developing computational thinking, in addition to developing higher-order thinking skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills etc. However, instead of focusing on problems and sub-problems, algorithms, or the most effective and efficient solution, focusing on programming language specific needs and problems affects the computational thinking process negatively. Many educators use different tools and pedagogical approaches to overcome these difficulties such as, individual work, collaborative work and visual programming tools etc. In this study, researchers analyze four visual programming tools (Scratch, Small Basic, Alice, App Inventor) for students in K-12 level and three methodologies (Project-based learning, Problem-based learning and Design-based learning) while teaching programming in K-12 level. In summary, this chapter presents general description of visual programming tools and pedagogical approaches, examples of how each tool can be used in programming education in accordance with the CT process and the probable benefits of these tools and approaches to explore the practices of computational thinking.

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