Computational Thinking in Education: New Findings on Primary School Students' Problem-Solving Strategies

Strategic Insights -

Investigators at Johannes Kepler University have discovered that computational thinking (CT) as a problem-solving skill is essential for all learners, with efforts to formalize and operationalize CT within school curricula under way in various countries. In a recent study, researchers investigated the use of mathematical software to support students' problem-solving skills and creativity, with 15 Grade 5 primary school students working on a GeoGebra-based Math+CT task infusing arts. The study found that the designed task promoted students' different problem-solving strategies, and most students did not encounter serious problems in working with GeoGebra commands.

Key Takeaways:

  • Computational thinking (CT) is argued to be an essential skill for all learners, with efforts to formalize and operationalize CT within school curricula in various countries.
  • In primary schools, students often develop CT through unplugged activities and visual programming activities, but this study investigated the use of mathematical software with which students typed in commands (codes) to construct artistic artifacts.
  • The study found that the designed task promoted students' different problem-solving strategies while working with technology, with most students not encountering serious problems in working with GeoGebra commands.
  • Educational Research (EDR) guided the development of the task, with the goal of utilizing technology to support students' problem-solving skills and creativity.
  • The study involved 15 Grade 5 primary school students who worked on a GeoGebra-based Math+CT task infusing arts, with data collected in the form of students' GeoGebra files and screen video recordings.
  • The study concluded that students' computational thinking skills were supported as a result of engagement with the activities, with findings revealing that the designed task had promoted students' different problem-solving strategies.

Statistics:

  • 15 students participated in the study.
  • Students worked on a GeoGerra-based Math+CT task infusing arts.
  • Data were collected in the form of students' GeoGerra files and screen video recordings.
  • The study found that most students did not encounter serious problems in working with GeoGerra commands.

Sources:

  • Johannes Kepler University (no date). Primary school students' problem-solving strategies in creating artworks with GeoGebra. LUMAT, 13(2).
  • LUMAT (no date). Publisher's website. Available at https://www.lumat.fi/index.php/lumat.
  • Johns & Hunt (no date). Educational Research: Guidance for the Development of the Task. Available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.31129/LUMAT.13.2.2547.
  • NewsRx (July 2, 2025). Findings in Education Reported from Johannes Kepler University (Primary school students' problem-solving strategies in creating artworks with GeoGebra). Education Letter, p 200.