ERIC Number: EJ1459388
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1523
EISSN: EISSN-1945-0818
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Pathways to Inclusive Early Childhood Computational Thinking Education: Unveiling Young Students' Strategies with Multiple Representations
Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v57 n1 p2-25 2025
This study investigates the integration of computational thinking (CT) into early elementary literacy, focusing on kindergarten to second grade students, using multiple representations to understand their ideas of CT. Through clinical task-based interviews with 12 students, we found that concrete manipulatives, pictorial/graphical representations, and language-based strategies were key to facilitating CT comprehension. The findings indicate no significant gender differences in CT engagement, and instead we need to emphasize the need for inclusive, multi-representational teaching methods in early education. By using multiple representations, we may be able to nurture early STEM interest and confidence in computer science and related fields.
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, Computation, Thinking Skills, Inclusion, Student Attitudes, Kindergarten, Young Children, Grade 1, Grade 2, STEM Education, Student Interests, Teaching Methods, Learner Engagement, Manipulative Materials, Pictorial Stimuli, Language Role, Comprehension, Computer Science Education, Student Characteristics
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
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Grade 1; Grade 2
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 2122785; 2122736; 2122742
Author Affiliations: N/A