Integrating computational and creative thinking to improve learning and performance in CS1

Abstract

Our research is based on an innovative approach that integrates computational thinking and creative thinking in CS1 to improve student learning performance. Referencing Epstein's Generativity Theory, we designed and deployed a suite of creative thinking exercises with linkages to concepts in computer science and computational thinking, with the premise that students can leverage their creative thinking skills to "unlock" their understanding of computational thinking. In this paper, we focus on our study on differential impacts of the exercises on different student populations. For all students there was a linear "dosage effect" where completion of each additional exercise increased retention of course content. The impacts on course grades, however, were more nuanced. CS majors had a consistent increase for each exercise, while non-majors benefited more from completing at least three exercises. It was also important for freshmen to complete all four exercises. We did find differences between women and men but cannot draw conclusions.

Supporting Creativity and User Interaction in CS 1 Homework Assignments

“…Like [4], there were several motivating factors in developing assignments with elements of creativity: provide an opportunity for students to take ownership and pride in their work and to support learning. Another approach described in [8] is to use creative thinking exercises to encourage students to learn about computation; these exercises were not part of the programming itself but focused more on novelty, challenging existing patterns, broadening knowledge and using new environments for stimuli.…”

Improving Students' Learning and Achievement in CS Classrooms through Computational Creativity Exercises that Integrate Computational and Creative Thinking

“…Subsequent follow-up studies examined differences between CS majors and non-CS majors, freshmen and upper class students, and men and women students [7]. Results showed that for the knowledge test, the linear "dosage effect" of increasing knowledge test scores with student completion of each additional exercise was consistent across all comparisons.…”

“…As reported in [6,7,11,12], for all our CCEs, students work in groups to engage in a combination of hands-on problem solving, written analysis, and reflection. The collaborative nature of the CCEs facilitates creative thinking by bringing together students from diverse backgrounds.…”

“…Our project focuses on an innovative approach [6,7,9,12] by which we aim to improve the learning of computational thinking by blending it with creative thinking. We view creative thinking through the lens of Epstein's Generativity Theory [3,4], which identifies four core competencies of creative thinking.…”

Exploring Changes in Computer Science Students' Implicit Theories of Intelligence Across the Semester

“…This study took place as part of a larger NSF-funded study geared towards improving students' abilities to learn computational thinking by incorporating computational and creative thinking exercises into undergraduate CS courses [14]. Participants completed the beginning of the semester Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale, future time perspective measures, and additional assessments not used in this study during lab or lecture sessions during the first week of the semester.…”