Effectiveness of Basic to Advanced Computational Thinking Program for Secondary Students: Evaluation Study in Melaka, Malaysia

Two studies were conducted to examine the use of grounded embodied pedagogy, construction of Imaginary Worlds (Study 1), and context of instructional materials (Study 2) for developing learners' Computational Thinking (CT) Skills and Concept knowledge during the construction of digital artifacts using Scratch, a block-based programming language. Utilizing a conceptual framework for grounded embodied pedagogy called Instructional Embodiment, learners physically enacted (Direct Embodiment) and mentally simulated (Imagined Embodiment) the actions and events as presented within pre-defined Scripts. Instructional Embodiment utilizes action, perception, and environment to create a dynamic, interactive teaching & learning scenario that builds upon previous research in embodied teaching and learning. The two studies described herein examined the effects of Instructional Embodiment, Imaginary World Construction, and Context on the development of specific Computational Thinking Concepts and Skills. In particular, certain CT Concepts, such as Conditionals, Variables, Thread Synchronization, Collision Detection, & Events, and CT Skills, such as abstraction and pattern recognition, were identified and measured within the learners' individual digital artifacts. Presence and/or frequency of these Concepts and Skills were used to determine the extent of Computational Thinking development. In Study 1, fifty-six sixth- and seventh-grade students participated in a fifteen-session curricular program during the academic school day. This study examined the type of instruction and continuity of Imaginary World Construction on the development of certain CT Skills and Concepts used in a visual novel created in Scratch. Main effects were found for learners who physically embodied the pre-defined instructional materials: embodying the pre-defined Scripts led to the learners using significantly more ‘speech’ Blocks in their projects and more Absolute Positioning Blocks for ‘motion’ than those who did not physically embody the same Scripts. Significant main effects were also found for continuity of Imaginary World Construction: learners who were instructed to continue the premise of the first digital artifact (Instructional Artifact) implemented significantly more computational structures in their second digital artifact (Unique Artifact) than those who were instructed to create a Unique Artifact with a premise of their own design. In Study 2, seventy-eight sixth- and seventh-grade students participated in a seventeen-session curricular program during the academic school day. This study examined the type of instruction and context of instructional materials on the development of CT Skills and Concepts during the construction of a video game using Scratch. Similar to Study 1, findings suggest that physically embodying the actions presented within the pre-defined instructional materials leads to greater implementation of many of these same structures during individual artifact construction. The study also showed that as the pre-defined Scripts become more complex (e.g. single-threaded to multi-threaded), the effect of physical embodiment on the development of CT Skills and complex CT Concept structures becomes less pronounced. Findings from this study also suggest that Context has a significant effect on identifying & implementing the CT Skill pattern recognition: learning CT Concepts from an Unfamiliar Context had a significant positive effect on the implementation of both Broadcast/Receive couplings and Conditional Logic & Operator patterns. In sum, the findings suggest that the type of instruction, the continuity of the Imaginary World being constructed, and the context of the instructional materials all play a significant role in the learners' ability to develop certain Computational Thinking Skills and Concept knowledge. The findings also suggest that a physically embodied approach to teaching abstract concepts that is grounded in an unfamiliar context is the most effective way to integrate a grounded embodied approach to pedagogy within a formal instructional setting.

Vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) are essential to acquire and mastering English language skills. Previous research in the Malaysian context mainly takes students at the tertiary level, with few only done on secondary students and thus has been unable to thoroughly investigate the preferred VLS of secondary and tertiary ESL students. Examining the vocabulary-learning strategies preferred by ESL secondary and tertiary students in Malaysia is significant. VLS is important in determining Malaysian ESL students' English language communication performance. Quantitative convenience sampling methods were employed to determine the preferred VLS among Malaysian students. Data was gathered from 320 secondary and tertiary Malaysian ESL students using a revised Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaires (VLSQ) version 6.4. Findings indicated that secondary and tertiary Malaysian students preferred metacognitive compared to other dimensions. Regarding gender, results showed significant differences between male and female students in meta-cognitive and cognitive VLS dimensions. In addition, secondary students preferred to use dictionaries, whilst tertiary students preferred using meta-cognitive regulation to learn new English vocabulary. These results show that students employed different VLSs in learning new vocabulary. Also, it demonstrated that genders played a significant role when students learn vocabulary, as results showed a significant difference between male and female students in VLS dimension preferences.

This study aims to provide an overview of the computational mathematical thinking abilities of male and female students in solving mathematical problems and the aspects (abstraction, decomposition, algorithmic thinking, and generalization) that influence these differences. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach in a junior high school in Jakarta for the academic year 2023/2024. The participants in this study are 36 students. Data were collected through written examinations and interviews and analyzed using the triangulation technique. The results of the study showed different patterns of computational thinking skills between male and female students. Male students excel in decomposition and algorithmic thinking but are weak in abstraction and generalization. Female students excel in abstraction and decomposition but are weak in algorithmic thinking and generalization. Both male and female students master the context of decomposition for computational thinking skills but lack mastery in the context of generalization. In conclusion, gender differences influence specific aspects of computational thinking skills, indicating the need for tailored educational strategies to address these differences.

In recent years, computational thinking (CT) skills have been globally recognized as a 21st-century skill that must be developed for future generations. However, the lack of validated CT assessments would be a major impediment in the efforts to incorporate CT into the school curriculum. This study is intended to validate the Computational Thinking Test (CTt) using the Rasch model by identifying whether the data fit the Rasch model measurement, determining the CT abilities among a small sample of Singapore secondary students through the test, and examining the presence of test items that functioned differently for gender and grade level of the students. In this study, 153 upper secondary school students from Grade 9 and Grade 10 were involved in a test that required them to do the CTt which comprises 28 test items. The performance of the students in CTt was utilized as quantitative data in this study and was analyzed using the Rasch model. The findings revealed that the data fit the Rasch model measurement. The majority of the male students and ninth-graders had a high level of CT abilities, while most of the female students and tenth-graders had a moderate level of CT abilities. Hence, the male students and ninth-graders performed better than the female students and tenth-graders. Four items functioned differently between male and female students where one gender had a better chance to get the correct answer in these four items compared to the other gender. Only one test item was functioning differently for Grade 9 and Grade 10. This means that the students of one grade level were more likely to obtain the correct answer in this item than the students in the other grade level. This study hopes to contribute to the literature in the area of CT assessments by providing a reference case for scholars and researchers in assessing CT abilities among the students.

As schools and districts across the United States adopt computer science standards and curriculum for K-12 computer science education, they look to integrate the foundational concepts of computational thinking (CT) into existing core subjects of elementary-age students. Research has shown the effectiveness of teaching CT elements (abstraction, generalization, decomposition, algorithmic thinking, debugging) using non-programming, unplugged approaches. These approaches address common barriers teachers face with lack of knowledge, familiarity, or technology tools. Picture books and graphic novels present an unexplored non-programming, unplugged resource for teachers to integrate computational thinking into their CT or CT-integrated lessons. This analysis examines 27 picture books and graphic novels published between 2015 and 2020 targeted to K-6 students for representation of computational thinking elements. Using the computational thinking curriculum framework for K-6, we identify the grade-level competencies of the CT elements featured in the books compared to the books’ target age groups. We compare grade-level competencies to interest level to identify each CT element representation as “foundational,” “on-target,” or “advanced.” We conclude that literature offers teachers a non-programming unplugged resource to expose students to CT and enhance CT and CT-integrated lessons, while also personalizing learning based on CT readiness and interest level.

Computational thinking (CT) is the crucial skill for the 21st century which is gaining increasing significance in our rapidly advancing technological world. Therefore, since the demand for CT has increased in modern education systems, Malaysia also incorporated computational thinking skills into its curriculum to align with global 21st-century educational trends. While understanding CT concepts is foundational, the ability to apply these skills effectively can vary based on training quality and individual attitudes. A few studies have examined whether CT attitudes influence CT skills. This study is conducted to investigate the relationship between trainee teachers’ perception of CT concepts and their CT skills. The study focuses on six core CT concepts: Logic, Algorithms, Decomposition, Pattern Recognition, Abstraction, and Evaluation. The study employed a correlational research design with quantitative survey method was used; items were constructed in questionnaire to acquire teachers’ perception and their knowledge about CT concept, while Bebras Challenge Tasks to assess their CT skills. 100 science trainee teachers from all IPGM over Malaysia are targeted to complete the survey form and Pearson correlation test is used to analyze the survey data. Results from this study provide insights into how CT concepts correlate with CT skills and the perceptions of trainee teachers towards CT concepts.

Computational thinking is increasingly important in the secondary curriculum beyond the computer science classroom, especially in technology heavy STEM fields. We applied the Computational Thinking in Mathematics and Science Taxonomy (Weintrop et al., 2016) to explore how secondary students demonstrated computational thinking in research projects from a month-long STEM enrichment summer program. The preliminary data show that the papers and posters of four students, one from each area of the summer curricula, demonstrate all four of the practices: Data Practices, Modeling and Simulation Practices, Computational Problem Solving Practices, and Systems Thinking Practices. These results indicate that computational thinking provides a useful framework for planning and assessing secondary students’ STEM independent research projects. Key words: computational thinking, research.

The STEAM-CT approach integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics with Computational Thinking (CT) to help students learn how to think, design, and solve problems. It gives students hands-on, interdisciplinary experiences where they apply logic and creativity through real-world applications. The purpose of this study is to foster the development of computational thinking among Deaf students by embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning within a STEAM-CT approach. This learning program consisted of three main phases: (1) exploring AI processes and tools, (2) constructing an AI system, and (3) designing AI-driven innovations. Thirty-six Deaf students from seven Deaf schools participated in this program, which aims to enhance their CT abilities and cultivate their capacity to create AI-based solutions. Students’ progress was measured using a CT framework encompassing knowledge of concepts, applied practices and perspectives. Assessments included multiple-choice tests for CT concepts, task-based rubrics for CT practices, and interviews for CT perspectives. The results showed that Deaf students gained a better understanding of CT concepts, demonstrated advanced CT practices, and exhibited strong CT perspectives. These findings suggest that AI learning through a STEAM-CT approach can effectively promote Deaf students’ computational thinking abilities.

Torino is a tangible programming environment designed for teaching the computational thinking curriculum in the UK to children who are blind or low vision (henceforth, just children) in an inclusive setting. In this paper we describe the experience of children in Bangalore, India, when Torino was introduced to them as a toy for creating and sharing stories, songs and music. We conducted 12 play sessions with 12 children (4 girls and 8 boys) with diverse backgrounds belonging to three different schools for the blind. We briefly present the reasons for play being central to our effort of bringing computational thinking to children who are blind and low vision in India, and share some experiences of the children and some insights that we have gathered so far: Children not only enjoyed every session, they rapidly moved from playing with pre-created examples, to making changes, to demanding that their favorite stories be told. In observing such play, we could infer that they have grasped the basic concepts of computational thinking? flow of control, variables, loops? though not articulated in that vocabulary.

Computational thinking involves using computer science concepts to design systems, find solutions to problems, and understand human behavior. Recent reports recommend the addition of computational thinking into K-6 education, and computational thinking has been taught in different learning environments, including formal and informal environments, and has also been taught alongside engineering design thinking. The CDIO Initiative includes a Conceive-Design-Implement-Design process, which can be adapted for use in guiding computational thinking activities at the elementary (K-6) level. This chapter draws on a phenomenological approach to computational thinking to provide the justification and method for adapting the C-D-I-O design process for teaching K-6 computational thinking. It also describes the design requirements and methods for creating four scaffolded computational thinking activities, which are discussed in detail. For each design, the connection with computational thinking concepts and the proposed framework are provided. This chapter also includes a discussion of the scaffolding techniques between the activities, and how the fading of scaffolding was used to improve learning and confidence. By drawing upon a phenomenological approach to computational thinking, we can make rooms for different ways of knowing and representation in computational thinking education to better connect with students’ lived experiences.

This study integrated the augmented reality (AR) technology into the “Coding Ocean” board game to provide players with real-time simulation of ship paths and learning scaffolds. Combined with Scratch block-based programming, an interactive learning environment is developed to assist elementary school students in learning coding skills from the unplugged board game to enhance their computational thinking concepts. The AR board game is focused on the programming concepts of sequential, and/or and loop. Through the process of treasure hunting, the basic concepts of computational thinking can be developed, i.e., abstraction, problem decomposition, pattern recognition and algorithmic thinking. In order to investigate the learning effectiveness of the AR board game on computational thinking and programming skills, a number of 51 third graders from an elementary school were recruited as research samples. The experimental group (n = 26) used the AR board game and the control group (n = 25) used the traditional board game for game-based learning. The experimental results indicate: (1) the learning effectiveness of computational thinking for the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group; (2) the learning achievement of the block-based programming skills for the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group; (3) the cognitive load of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The AR technology can combine the unplugged board games with plugged learning modules to assist students in game-based learning, which is useful for enhancing computational thinking abilities while reducing the cognitive load.

Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stated by the United Nations include a call for Gender Equality, emphasizing the challenges women face in male-dominated fields such as computer science (CS). Introducing programming at an early age can help girls perceive computer science as enjoyable and accessible. This study presents an example of interdisciplinary collaboration and provides empirical evidence on the positive impact of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) integration in robotics programming for female students. The purpose of this study was to examine how interdisciplinary STEAM-based robotics programming activities influence secondary school female students’ programming self-efficacy and computational thinking (CT) self-efficacy. The research employed a single-group pretest–posttest experimental design with 60 seventh-grade female students from a public school in Türkiye. Over six weeks, students participated in a robotics programming course using mBlock, supported by STEAM-themed tasks across science, technology, mathematics, and design curricula. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the Computer Programming Self-Efficacy Scale (CPSES) and the Computational Thinking Skills Self-Efficacy Scale (CTSSES). Paired samples t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements in both programming and computational thinking self-efficacy scores after the intervention (p < 0.05). These findings support the effectiveness of interdisciplinary, STEAM-based pedagogies in enhancing female students’ engagement and confidence in computing. The study highlights the importance of inclusive educational strategies in narrowing the gender gap in computer science education.

At present, the concept of computational thinking is spreading in education circles around the world. From the point of view of current research and application in China, the research on the cultivation of computational thinking in K-12 education is still in the early stage. Based on the graphic programming design course of app inventor in primary and secondary schools, this study embeds computing thinking into teaching objectives and contents, constructs the teaching model of app inventor course with embedded computing thinking, and discusses how to cultivate students' computing thinking ability in teaching practice. The method provided in this paper is helpful to analyse the changes of students' computational thinking during the teaching process, and it can effectively identify teaching effects.

One of the thinking skills needed in the 21st century is computational thinking skills. There are several factors that can affect students' computational thinking processes, including gender. The differences in the sexes of students allow for differences in computational thinking skills of each student. This research is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach aimed to describe the computational thinking process of junior high school students in solving the problem of number patterns in terms of gender differences. This research was conducted in class VIII-G of SMPN 13 Surabaya.The subjects in this research were one male student and one female student. The results of this study are the process of thinking about the comparison of male and female student with high mathematical abilities through the installation of decomposition, introduction to patterns, algorithmic thinking and generalization of patterns and abstractions. Male student in the decomposition process chose to read over and over the problem solving problem. In the process of pattern recognition, he created rows and columns to recognize completion patterns and check again. In the process of thinking algorithms, he mentioned logical steps that are in accordance with the identified settlement patterns. In the process of generalizing patterns and abstractions, he written general patterns and conclusions answers to problem solving problems and is very sure of the answers obtained. Female student in the decomposition process, she read while underlining important information on problem solving problems. In the process of pattern recognition, she separated every important information that exists and unifies every information with the same characteristics to recognize the pattern of completion and re-check. In the process of thinking algorithms, she mentioned logical steps that are in accordance with the identified settlement patterns. In the process of generalizing patterns and abstractions, she written general patterns and conclusions answers to problem solving. Keywords : Computational Thinking, Number Patterns, Gender.

This paper presents direction for efficient software education. Due to the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the whole world is interested in software education. However, simply teaching how to code is not software education. The thinking abilities used in coding for software implementation are even more important. Therefore, computational thinking is getting great attention. Several institutions suggest factors for computational thinking and encourage to teach in a relevant way based on the suggestion. In this study, the verification of the factors they suggested was conducted through a questionnaire. The total of 419 freshman students of the College of Social Sciences who were taking “Computational Thinking and Software Coding” class participated in the survey at the beginning and the end of the semester. We first analyzed Wing''s proposal that summarized the concept of computational thinking, and reviewed the proposal of ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) for defining computational thinking factors for coding education, also checked on the suggestion of Google for factors necessary for software coding. As a result of research analysis, this paper suggests a direction for efficient software education.