A Learning Path in Support of Computational Thinking in the Last Years of Primary School

Abstract

A learning path supporting the development of Computational Thinking skills in students of the last years of Primary School was defined and tested in a case study involving a grade 5 class and their teacher for the whole school year. The project aimed at involving all the students regardless of their personal interest, as a standard school activity. The case study proved to be successful with respect to students’ interest and their ability to reach the main project’s objectives. Their skills increased along the project and students demonstrated to be on the right path to develop a complete and autonomous approach to Computational Thinking. Nevertheless, a longer time span would be needed to for students to master deeply the new concepts and tools. Sometimes abstraction can be difficult and concrete activities are needed to introduce new ideas. Furthermore, students showed little autonomy and a limited use of the social aspects of the chosen programming environment. Devoting a longer time to the learning path would help fostering these skills. Finally, a close integration of the learning path with the school curriculum is envisaged.