A Critical Appraisal: Elementary School Coding Education Effectiveness with Scratch in Alignment with Cognitive Development, Analyzed through Piagetian Lens

Abstract

The digitalization has revolutionized the education sector by integrating technology and bringing about significant changes. Computational Thinking (CT), an indispensable skill for the 21st century, has now become an integral part of school curricula in several countries worldwide. Focused on enhancing CT skills, programming education, especially through Scratch, Scratch simplifies programming concepts, making it suitable for elementary school children aged 7 to 11 years. Aligned with Piaget's concrete operational stage, emphasizing organized and rational thinking. Hence, this study aims to delve deeper into how Scratch programming education can meet the cognitive developmental needs of children in this phase. The research methodology used is a literature review, employing data from textbooks, journals, scholarly articles, and literature reviews that contain concepts central to the research focus. The data analysis involves collecting relevant research findings, organizing, and systematically recording information. The results indicate that Scratch not only provides a platform for learning programming but also supports the development of concrete operational cognitive skills taught in Piaget's theory. Through creativity in designing Scratch projects, children can apply and strengthen their understanding of concepts such as seriation, classification, reversibility, conservation, and the elimination of egocentrism. But, it's essential to consider an approach tailored to the developmental characteristics of children when designing programming education at the elementary level. This study is expected to provide concise guidance for educators and policymakers in formulating programming education that optimally fosters cognitive development in elementary school children.