Computer Science in Schools: A Literature Mapping of Professional Development for In-Service Teachers

Abstract

During the last few decades, there has been a growing need for Professional Development of in-service teachers in Computer Science. This paper presents a systematic mapping of the research in this area published between 2010 and 2020. The study’s goal is to map existing literature, understanding how research is evolving and identifying gaps that can prompt new research. The literature mapping is based on the analysis of 206 articles collected from various online databases, then selected according to defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The study investigates the type of intervention/study, school level, geographical location, connection to curricula, learning objectives, phase of the research, size of the study, and type of collaboration. From the literature mapping, Professional Development of in-service teachers of Computer Science emerges as a rapidly growing and dynamic research area. However, some threats are connected to fragmentation of the research and the need for more cooperation to increase inclusiveness and international collaboration.