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Identifying middle school students' challenges in computational thinking-based science learning.
Satabdi Basu1, Gautam Biswas2, Pratim Sengupta3
1SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, California, 94025 USA.
Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning
|January 8, 2019
Summary
This study explores computational thinking (CT) in K-12 science education using the CTSiM environment. Findings show human support helps middle schoolers overcome challenges in modeling and simulation for deeper science concept understanding.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Computational Thinking (CT)
Background:
- CT aligns with STEM practices, offering potential for enhanced science and math learning.
- Integrating CT with STEM education presents challenges in understanding student learning and difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate middle school students' challenges in a CT-based science learning environment (CTSiM).
- Analyze how challenges evolve across modeling activities and the impact of human support.
- Inform the development of embedded scaffolding tools to deepen science concept comprehension.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the CTSiM (Computational Thinking in Simulation and Modeling) learning environment for K-12 science.
- Observed and categorized computational and science domain-related challenges faced by middle school students.
- Analyzed the effectiveness of human-provided scaffolds in mitigating these challenges.
Main Results:
- Identified four broad categories and 14 subcategories of student challenges within CTSiM.
- Demonstrated that human-provided scaffolding significantly reduces the number of challenges students encounter over time.
- Observed an evolution of challenges across different modeling activities.
Conclusions:
- Human support is crucial for students navigating integrated CT and science curricula.
- Modifying CTSiM interfaces and embedding scaffolding tools can further aid students in overcoming programming, modeling, and science challenges.
- The study provides insights into fostering deeper science conceptual understanding through CT-based learning environments.