Algorithmic Thinking Skills without Computers for Prospective Computer Science Teachers

Abstract

Algorithmic thinking skills may be considered as an important attribute of any person lives in this century, especially for teachers, more particularly for computer science teachers. This study examines an elective course offered under the title of Algorithmic Thinking for prospective computer science teachers. A mixed method approach was followed for the current study. The study was carried out with the participation of sixth semester students of a Computer Education and Instructional Technology Department of an Education Faculty who may be considered as prospective computer science teachers. Twenty-eight students were enrolled the selective AT course opened for the period. Within the scope of the study, development of the course curriculum, instructional process of the course and evaluation of the course in line with students’ views and exam scores, are presented. Findings of the research suggest that the students find the Algorithmic Thinking course helping them to acquire some algorithmic thinking skills as well as some other academic and life related thinking abilities. Also, the course may be considered as a necessary course particularly for the training process of computer science teachers. In addition, the students think that the offered course was an effective and beneficial course.