ERIC Number: EJ1240097
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jul
Pages: 29
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-7069
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Teacher Preconceptions of Computational Thinking: A Systematic Literature Review
Cabrera, Lautaro
Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, v27 n3 p305-333 Jul 2019
Computational Thinking (CT) is an increasingly relevant concept that researchers are promoting in formal learning contexts. In their mission to prepare teachers to integrate CT into K-12 schooling, teacher educators would benefit from understanding the different kinds of preconceptions of CT that their students bring to the classroom in order to design learning experiences that build upon that preexisting knowledge. In this systematic literature review of 24 articles, I aim to identify the different types of preconceptions that teachers hold around CT. Results show that teachers hold preconceptions that can affect how they define CT. Specifically, they can conflate CT with (1) technology integration, (2) computer science or programming, (3) other non-specific problem-solving strategies, and (4) "thinking like a computer". They also may hold preconceptions around teaching and learning CT. Specifically, the literature shows they believe CT is a difficult topic to understand that often cannot feasibly be integrated into K-12 education due to curriculum and instruction constraints. In this article, I identify this initial list of preconceptions, demonstrate their presence in the literature, and propose ways for teacher educators to build upon them without antagonizing "incorrect" initial definitions that teachers may hold. Implications and limitations of this work are discussed.
Descriptors: Teacher Attitudes, Computation, Thinking Skills, Misconceptions, Definitions, Technology Integration, Computer Science, Programming, Problem Solving, Elementary Secondary Education, Teacher Educators, Teacher Education, Faculty Development
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 719, Waynesville, NC 28786. Tel: 828-246-9558; Fax: 828-246-9557; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
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Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A