To make sense of our interconnected and algorithm driven world, students increasingly need proficiency with computational thinking (CT), systems thinking (ST), and computational modeling. One aspect of computational modeling that can support students with CT, ST, and modeling is testing and debugging. Testing and debugging enables students to…

Computational thinking (CT) has been supported as an important skill every young person should possess for the 21st century, with possible implications for problem-solving, self-expression, and creativity. Numerous initiatives, both within and outside classroom settings, have been developed in response to policy mandates aiming at broadening…

Most mathematicians state mathematics is a field of beauty, creativity, and innovation, yet what is echoed by students is not how mathematics allows students to explore, but rather the ways in which it constrains and does not necessitate creativity. In comparison, many students associate coding with freedom, and the ability to create and express…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intervention utilizing modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) on the mathematical problem-solving ability of elementary school students with mild to moderate disabilities. Four participants were taught to solve percent of change word problems, which required them to calculate the…

To realize more equitable technology futures, it is not enough to simply adapt technology to be more inclusive "after" it is created. We will also need to equip technology creators with the skills they need to critically reflect upon bias and exclusion "during" the technology design process. The question of how to best to…

Algebra I encompasses several topics that serve as a basis for students' subsequent mathematics courses as they progress in school. Some of the key topics that students struggle with is solving linear equations and algebraic word problems. There are several factors that may contribute to this ongoing struggle for students such as the structure of…

The purpose of this research is to explore preservice teachers' attitudes and beliefs towards mathematics, mental and written computations, and mental computation anxiety, to investigate their use of different mental computation strategies using different approaches (i.e., Direct Teaching (DT) and Open-Approach (OA)) among the three different…

Computational thinking (CT) has been an increasing focus of research and practice since the seminal paper by Wing in 2006, especially in pre-college (K-12) education. Barr and Stephenson defined CT as a problem-solving methodology that can be automated, transferred, and applied across disciplines. With the challenges of fitting CT into already…

Throughout the history of public education in the United States of America, the teaching of mathematics and its focus have been topics of reform and calls for change. Students need a balanced and intentional approach to learning mathematics, which supports each student in understanding and applying mathematical concepts. The purpose of this study…

Physics education researchers and curriculum developers have recognized the experiential expertise of students, using students' perspectives to make improvements to curriculum and pedagogy. Recently, they have given students more control in this process, sometimes even a direct voice in curricular decision-making. This dissertation intends to…

As a tangible and motivating medium for students to engage in computational thinking, robotics has drawn interest from educators and researchers as K-12 schools continue to integrate STEM into curriculum. Through this mixed methods study, the researcher sought to explore the effects of robotics instructional methods (task-based and project-based)…

Computers infiltrate almost every aspect of our lives, including our homes and cars. For work, education, or personal fulfillment, computing has increased dramatically. The need for an educated workforce is expanding as technology devices become smaller, faster, and more powerful. We can teach students how to use math, logic, and computational…

This is a study of student engagement with computational labs in Calculus 2. The labs task students with using MATLAB to investigate contexts such as rocket science, disease modeling, and market economics forecasting by modifying and executing provided code, guided by questions that have students report the results of their simulations or…

Mathematics education is constantly changing due to the growing use of computers worldwide, and these global changes greatly affect mathematics education. In a computerized and changing society, it is paramount schools prepare students to acquire both procedural knowledge and conceptual knowledge in mathematics. In the state of Georgia, fourth…

Developing a positive relationship with mathematics in early elementary is vital for success in future mathematics education. Students who do not develop an understanding of mathematical number sense in early grade levels struggle to make connections in later courses. Mathematical discourse sessions, specifically Number Talks, encourage students…