ERIC Number: EJ1366935
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2153-2974
EISSN: EISSN-2332-7383
Available Date: N/A
Instructional Practices Promoting Computational Thinking in STEAM Elementary Classrooms
Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, v38 n4 p158-172 2022
We examine how elementary STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) teachers designed and implemented instructional practices to encourage computational thinking (CT) during problem-solving activities. After teachers created STEAM lessons aligned with state standards and CT practices, students made artifacts while solving problems related to science, English-Language Arts, Art and music. Students used digital tools such as Scratch, Hummingbirds, Spheros, littleBits, Lego Robotics and 3-D modeling software. Teachers' instructional practices included recognizing CT opportunities, building collaborative culture, helping students make connections and designing with limited materials. Students drew on prior experiences, verbalized CT practices, recognized peer expertise and were comfortable with failure. We discuss ways to extend CT learning, broaden participation and improve elementary teachers' capacity to integrate CT into instruction.
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Computation, Thinking Skills, STEM Education, Art Education, Elementary School Teachers, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Implementation, Problem Solving, Elementary School Students, Student Attitudes, Learning Activities
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A