How to Improve Computational Thinking: a Case Study

Abstract

One of the best skills for everyone, for now, and for the future, is problem-solving. Computational thinking is the way to help us to develop that skill. Computational Thinking can be defined as a set of skills for problemsolving based on computer techniques. Computational thinking is needed everywhere and is going to be a key to success in almost all careers, not only for a scientist but for many professionals, like doctors, lawyers, teachers or farmers. For many problems it is a good idea to make a plan for its resolution using some of the techniques of computer science, such as: breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts that are more manageable and easier to understand, or solve-decomposition; looking for similarities among and within problems and others experiences-pattern recognition; focusing on the important information only, and pulling out specific differences to make one solution work for multiple problems: abstraction; developing a step-by-step solution to the problem: algorithms. This plan can be used by everyone, regardless of their area of knowledge, task or age. It is essential that these techniques are practiced and developed very early. In recent years we have to see the proliferation of numerous projects with the specific objective of encouraging the study of Computational thinking. The projects of massification of computational thinking and coding are now starting to be implemented in our education system in Portugal. Most students of the first year of the Computer Engineering course, from the IPG, mostly did not have the opportunity to develop computational thinking throughout their student life. In this paper, we present the results of a case study using follow and give instructions to improve their capacities in Computational Thinking.. ResumenUna de las mejores habilidades para todos, por ahora y para el futuro, es la resolución de problemas. El pensamiento computacional es la manera de ayudarnos a desarrollar esa habilidad. El pensamiento computacional se puede definir como un conjunto de habilidades para la resolución de problemas basadas en técnicas informáticas. El pensamiento computacional es necesario en todas partes y será la clave del éxito en casi todas las carreras, no solo para un científico, sino también para muchos profesionales, como médicos, abogados, docentes o agricultores. Para muchos problemas, es una buena idea hacer un plan para su resolución utilizando algunas de las técnicas de la informática, tales como: descomponer un problema complejo en partes más pequeñas que sean más manejables y fáciles de entender, o resolver-descomposición; buscando similitudes entre y dentro de problemas y otras experienciasreconocimiento de patrones; centrándose solamente en la información importante y eliminando las diferencias específicas para que una solución funcione para múltiples problemas: abstracción; desarrollando una solución paso a paso al problema: algoritmos. Este plan puede ser utilizado por todos, independientemente de su área de conocimiento, tarea o edad. ...

Computational thinking in mathematics education: A systematic review

“…There were four studies performed in ASEAN countries (Cheng et al, 2017;Fang et al, 2017;Matere et al, 2021;Shorey et al, 2021) and 12 studies conducted in non-ASEAN countries (Çoban & Korkmaz, 2021;Critten et al, 2021;Jeng et al, 2020;Marcelino et al, 2018;Mecca et al, 2021;Menolli & Neto, 2021;Mouza et al, 2017;Quitério Figueiredo, 2017;Relkin et al, 2021;Rich et al, 2021;Sung & Black, 2020;Tucker-Raymond et al, 2021). This systematic review explains various types of teaching methods used in developing CT in mathematics, such as instant communication (IM) teaching method (Cheng et al, 2017), innovative curriculum design relying on an Internet-of-Things (IoT) programming course (Jeng et al, 2020), project-based learning and problem-solving learning method (Menolli & Neto, 2021), BootUp's model teaching method (Rich et al, 2021), technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) educational technology course (Mouza et al, 2017), pre-programming (CS0) course (Quitério Figueiredo, 2017), elearning course employing Moodle as a learning management system (Marcelino et al, 2018), designbased learning (Matere et al, 2021), blending learning flipped class (Fang et al, 2017), physical body movement practice (Sung & Black, 2020), coding as another language (CAL) curriculum (Relkin et al, 2021), guided play activities (Critten et al, 2021), online performance-based assessment (Çoban & Korkmaz, 2021) and procedural programming course (Mecca et al, 2021). This includes delegating responsibility to students, encouraging independent problem-solving among students, co-learning with students, fostering interdependence among students, offering a variety of additional resources…”

“…Relying on the literature review, researchers discovered that six types of tools were used in developing CT in mathematics education. The tools are teaching method (Cheng et al, 2017;Çoban & Korkmaz, 2021;Critten et al, 2021;Fang et al, 2017;Jeng et al, 2020;Marcelino et al, 2018;Matere et al, 2021;Menolli & Neto, 2021;Mouza et al, 2017;Quitério Figueiredo, 2017;Relkin et al, 2021;Rich et al, 2021;Sung & Black, 2020;Tucker-Raymond et al, 2021;Yildiz Durak, 2020), game-based learning (Agbo et al, 2021;Croff, 2017;Hooshyar et al, 2021;Menolli & Neto, 2021;Ng & Cui, 2021), coding programming (Critten et al, 2021;Deng et al, 2020;Fanchamps et al, 2019;Marcelino et al, 2018;Mecca et al, 2021;Ng & Cui, 2021;Özmutlu et al, 2021;Piedade et al, 2020;Quitério Figueiredo, 2017;Relkin et al, 2021;Rich et al, 2021;Ríos Félix et al, 2020;Shorey et al, 2021;Silva et al, 2021;Sun et al, 2021a;Sung & Black, 2020;Yi Wu & Sheng Su, 2021;Yildiz Durak, 2020), robotic activities (Critten et al, 2021;…”

Track 16

“…Figueiredo [51], from Software Engineering Ph.D. Programme of University of Salamanca (Spain), wants improving student achievement in courses where programming is essential [52], looking for each student will be able to improve and deepen their programming skills, performing a set of exercises appropriate and worked for each student and situation. To do that, he intends to build a dynamic learning model of constant evaluation and build the student's profile.…”

Computational thinking and robotics in education

“…"us, they de#ne a machine-learning (neural network) predictive model of student failure based on the student pro#le, which is built throughout programming classes by continuously monitoring and evaluating student activities. "is means the next step in this research for the authors [58][59][60][61][62] A Challenge Based Learning integrating STEAM and develop Computational !inking RoboSTEAM European Project [33] http://robosteamproject.eu/), which is devoted to de#ning a methodology and a set of tools that will help learners to develop king by using/programming PD&R (! "#$%&'() university education stages.…”

“…learning (neural network) predictive failure based on the student pro programming classes by continuously monitoring and student activities. "is means the next step in this research for the authors [58][59][60][61][62].…”