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Problem solving by 5-6 years old kindergarten children in a computer programming environment: A case study

Authors:

E. MavroudiAuthors Info & Claims

Computers & Education, Volume 63

Pages 87 - 97

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.11.016

Published: 01 April 2013 Publication History

Abstract

Computer programming is considered an important competence for the development of higher-order thinking in addition to algorithmic problem solving skills. Its horizontal integration throughout all educational levels is considered worthwhile and attracts the attention of researchers. Towards this direction, an exploratory case study is presented concerning dimensions of problem solving using computer programming by 5-6 years old kindergarten children. After a short introductory experiential game the children were involved in solving a series of analogous computer programming problems, using a Logo-based environment on an Interactive White Board. The intervention was designed as a part of the structured learning activities of the kindergarten which are teacher-guided and are conducted in a whole-class social mode. The observation of the video recording of the intervention along with the analysis of teacher's interview and the researcher's notes allow for a realistic evaluation of the feasibility, the appropriateness and the learning value of integrating computer programming in such a context. The research evidence supports the view that children enjoyed the engaging learning activities and had opportunities to develop mathematical concepts, problem solving and social skills. Interesting results about children learning, difficulties, interactions, problem solving strategies and the teacher's role are reported. The study also provides proposals for the design of future research.

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Cited By

Braune GMühling A(2024)Observing Students' Behavior During Problem Solving: Determinants of SuccessProceedings of the 19th WiPSCE Conference on Primary and Secondary Computing Education Research10.1145/3677619.3678109(1-10)Online publication date: 16-Sep-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3677619.3678109
Clarke-Midura JShumway JAshineh AZandi AClawson W(2024)What Happened to the Geometry? Examining Spatial and Mathematical Concepts in Computational Toys and Kits for Young ChildrenProceedings of the 2024 Symposium on Learning, Design and Technology10.1145/3663433.3663459(47-56)Online publication date: 21-Jun-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3663433.3663459
Chen LXiao SChen YSong YWu RSun L(2024)ChatScratch: An AI-Augmented System Toward Autonomous Visual Programming Learning for Children Aged 6-12Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3613904.3642229(1-19)Online publication date: 11-May-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3613904.3642229
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Problem solving by 5-6 years old kindergarten children in a computer programming environment: A case study
1. Applied computing
2. Social and professional topics
  1. Professional topics
    1. Computing education
      1. Computing education programs

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cover image Computers & Education

Computers & Education Volume 63, Issue

April, 2013

446 pages

ISSN:0360-1315

Issue’s Table of Contents

Copyright © Elsevier Ltd © 2012.

Publisher

Elsevier Science Ltd.

United Kingdom

Publication History

Published: 01 April 2013

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Cited By

Braune GMühling A(2024)Observing Students' Behavior During Problem Solving: Determinants of SuccessProceedings of the 19th WiPSCE Conference on Primary and Secondary Computing Education Research10.1145/3677619.3678109(1-10)Online publication date: 16-Sep-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3677619.3678109
Clarke-Midura JShumway JAshineh AZandi AClawson W(2024)What Happened to the Geometry? Examining Spatial and Mathematical Concepts in Computational Toys and Kits for Young ChildrenProceedings of the 2024 Symposium on Learning, Design and Technology10.1145/3663433.3663459(47-56)Online publication date: 21-Jun-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3663433.3663459
Chen LXiao SChen YSong YWu RSun L(2024)ChatScratch: An AI-Augmented System Toward Autonomous Visual Programming Learning for Children Aged 6-12Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3613904.3642229(1-19)Online publication date: 11-May-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3613904.3642229
Falloon G(2024)Advancing young students’ computational thinkingComputers & Education10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105045216:COnline publication date: 17-Jul-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105045
Montuori CGambarota FAltoé GArfé B(2024)The cognitive effects of computational thinkingComputers & Education10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104961210:COnline publication date: 1-Mar-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104961
Wu ZZheng LHuang L(2024)Learning to code and coding to learn: A robotics curriculum integrating tangible programming and road safety education for young childrenEducation and Information Technologies10.1007/s10639-024-12757-129:17(23049-23087)Online publication date: 1-Dec-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/s10639-024-12757-1
Aslan DDağaynası SCeylan M(2024)Technology and geometry: Fostering young children's geometrical concepts through a research-based robotic coding programEducation and Information Technologies10.1007/s10639-024-12747-329:17(22699-22721)Online publication date: 1-Dec-2024
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Başaran MMetin ŞVural Ö(2024)Meta-thematic synthesis of research on early childhood coding education: A comprehensive reviewEducation and Information Technologies10.1007/s10639-024-12675-229:16(20795-20822)Online publication date: 1-Nov-2024
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Ceylan MAslan D(2024)The effect of learning trajectories-based coding education program on preschoolers’ mathematical measurement skillsEducation and Information Technologies10.1007/s10639-023-12107-729:7(7737-7757)Online publication date: 1-May-2024
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Wong G(2024)Amplifying children’s computational problem-solving skills: A hybrid-based design for programming educationEducation and Information Technologies10.1007/s10639-023-11880-929:2(1761-1793)Online publication date: 1-Feb-2024
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