ERIC Number: EJ1260260
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Sep
Pages: 28
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0735-6331
EISSN: N/A
A Multiyear Investigation of Student Computational Thinking Concepts, Practices, and Perspectives in an After-School Computing Program
Mouza, Chrystalla; Pan, Yi-Cheng; Yang, Hui; Pollock, Lori
Journal of Educational Computing Research, v58 n5 p1029-1056 Sep 2020
In this work, we examine whether repeated participation in an after-school computing program influenced student learning of computational thinking concepts, practices, and perspectives. We also examine gender differences in learning outcomes. The program was developed through a school-university partnership. Data were collected from 138 students over a 2.5-year period. Data sources included pre-post content assessments of computational concepts related to programming in addition to computational artifacts and interviews with a purposeful sample of 12 participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical methods to identify gains in pre- and post-learning of computational thinking concepts and examine potential gender differences. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively. Results indicated that students made significant gains in their learning of computational thinking concepts and that gains persisted over time. Results also revealed differences in learning of computational thinking concepts among boys and girls both at the beginning and end of the program. Finally, results from student interviews provided insights into the development of computational thinking practices and perspectives over time. Results have implications for the design of after-school computing programs that help broaden participation in computing.
Descriptors: After School Programs, Thinking Skills, Computer Science Education, Repetition, Student Participation, Gender Differences, Program Effectiveness, College School Cooperation, Programming, Informal Education, Concept Formation, Student Attitudes, Elementary School Students, Middle School Students, Achievement Gains
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1240905; 1639649