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ERIC Number: EJ1471838
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-7069
EISSN: EISSN-1943-5924
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Preservice Teacher Learning during a Structured Computational Thinking Field Experience
Kristina Tank; Tamara Moore; Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich; Sohheon Yang; Zarina Wafula; Lin Chu
Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, v33 n1 p187-211 2025
This paper explores the experiences and learning outcomes of preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) as they integrate computational thinking (CT) into their teaching practices during a structured field experience. Through a qualitative content analysis of video reflections from 27 PSTs, the study examines how teaching CT lessons to K-2 students enhances the PSTs' understanding of CT and their pedagogical skills. The field experience, which involved hands-on activities using ScratchJr and Tale-Bot, revealed several key themes: the importance of hands-on learning for student engagement, the benefits of empowering students to take an active role in their learning, the necessity of balancing teacher guidance with student independence, and the development of PSTs' confidence in implementing CT activities. The findings suggest that structured field experiences play a crucial role in preparing PSTs to effectively integrate CT into elementary education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The study emphasizes the need for teacher preparation programs to incorporate real-world teaching opportunities to foster PSTs' confidence and adaptability in teaching CT, thus equipping them to meet the demands of 21st-century classrooms.
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; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 2122785; 2122736; 2122742
Author Affiliations: N/A