Unplugged Coding Activities Boost Preschoolers' Motivation and Problem-Solving Skills

Preschool children who engaged in unplugged coding activities for eight weeks showed significant increases in intrinsic motivation, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills, according to a recent study published in the journal Education and Information Technologies. The research, conducted at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University in Turkey, involved 69 children aged 5-6 who were divided into an experimental group and a control group. While the experimental group received coding activities developed by researchers, the control group did not receive any intervention. The study found that children in the experimental group demonstrated a meaningful difference in favor of the experimental group in comparisons between groups.

Key Takeaways:

• The study aimed to explore the effects of unplugged coding activities on preschoolers' motivation, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• The experimental phase included 69 children, with 33 in the experimental group and 36 in the control group.
• The children had never received any coding or robotic lessons before participating in the study.
• The experimental group received coding activities for one hour per week over eight weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention.
• The study used the Motivation Scale, Computational Thinking Skills Test, and Problem-Solving Skills Scale to assess the effects of unplugged coding activities on children before and after the experiment.
• The study revealed that children in the experimental group exhibited a significant increase in intrinsic motivation, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• The results demonstrate that unplugged coding activities in the preschool period are an effective method for supporting children's affective and cognitive development.

Statistics:

• 69 children participated in the study, aged 5-6.
• 33 children were in the experimental group, while 36 were in the control group.
• 8 weeks of coding activities were conducted for the experimental group.
• A significant increase in intrinsic motivation, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills was observed in the experimental group.

Sources:

• Investigation of the Effects of Unplugged Coding Activities Developed for Preschool On Motivation, Computational Thinking and Problem-solving Skills, Education and Information Technologies, 2025
• Education and Information Technologies, Springer, One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, Ny, United States
• Senol Sayginer, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Education, Dept. of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Tr-31060 Antakya, Turkiye