Teaching Computational Thinking in Primary Schools: Worldwide Trends and Teachers’ Attitudes

Valentina Dagienė1, Tatjana Jevsikova1, Gabrielė Stupurienė1 and Anita Juškevičienė1

  1. Vilnius University Institute of Data Science and Digital Technologies
    Akademijos str. 4, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
    {valentina.dagiene, tatjana.jevsikova, gabriele.stupuriene, anita.juskeviciene}@mif.vu.lt

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) as one of the 21st century skills enters early years education. This paper aims to study the worldwide tendencies of teaching CT through computing in primary education and primary school teachers’ understanding of CT. A survey of 52 countries has been performed and complemented by a qualitative study of 15 countries. In order to identify teachers’ understanding-level of CT and its integration approach in the class activities, a case study of 110 in-service teachers from 6 countries has been performed. The implications of the research results may be useful for primary school educators, educational initiatives, government authorities, policy makers, e-learning system and content developers dealing with support for teachers aiming to improve their CT professional development qualification.

Key words

informatics education; computational thinking development; early years’ education; 21st century skills; teacher professional development

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.2298/CSIS201215033D

Publication information

Volume 19, Issue 1 (January 2022)
Year of Publication: 2022
ISSN: 2406-1018 (Online)
Publisher: ComSIS Consortium

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How to cite

Dagienė, V., Jevsikova, T., Stupurienė, G., Juškevičienė, A.: Teaching Computational Thinking in Primary Schools: Worldwide Trends and Teachers’ Attitudes. Computer Science and Information Systems, Vol. 19, No. 1, 1-24. (2022), https://doi.org/10.2298/CSIS201215033D