ERIC Number: EJ1379008
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Mar
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-6156
EISSN: EISSN-1942-4051
Available Date: N/A
Promoting Computational Thinking, Computational Participation, and Spatial Reasoning with LEGO Robotics
Leonard, Jacqueline; Djonko-Moore, Cara; Francis, Krista R.; Carey, Aylin S.; Mitchell, Monica B.; Goffney, Imani D.
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, v23 n1 p120-144 Mar 2023
This paper examines the context for developing computational thinking (CT), computational participation (CP), and spatial reasoning among predominantly Black elementary students in grades 5 and 6, who attended a public school in the urban fringe of a large city in the Eastern United States. A case study is presented as the method to examine two African-American female teachers' use of culturally relevant pedagogy to enhance these students' learning and engagement in a 10-week informal after-school program where LEGO® robotics tasks were implemented. The processes of coding, constant comparison, and convenience sampling were used to analyze data using qualitative methods. Results revealed evidence of CT among nine focal students. CP was not observed at the baseline but was evident at the endpoint. Moreover, six of the nine focal students demonstrated a variety of spatial reasoning skills during LEGO® robotics tasks, which are correlated with higher mathematics achievement and academic success. Further analysis revealed that these focal students persisted in problem solving during the LEGO® robotics program. Focus group interviews with the two teachers and eight randomly selected students support these outcomes.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Grade 5, Grade 6, Blacks, African American Students, Public Schools, Computation, Thinking Skills, Student Participation, African American Teachers, Teacher Behavior, Culturally Relevant Education, After School Programs, Robotics, Informal Education, Problem Solving, Spatial Ability, Skill Development, Urban Schools, Academic Achievement, Learner Engagement, Persistence
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 5; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools; Grade 6
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1311810
Author Affiliations: N/A