Tendencies towards Computational Thinking: A Content Analysis Study

Abstract

In this research, we analyzed the content of a practice-based research published in SSCI, ESCI and ERIC indexed journals related to Computational Thinking (CT) between 2019 and 2021. For this purpose, we searched Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases and examined 97 papers. We evaluated the papers under the headings of development approaches, learning tools, sub-skills, research groups, measurement tools, and prominent findings. According to the results, while for programming, robotics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), development courses and computer science unplugged approaches were adopted in the development of CT, CT was mostly associated with the field of computer science. Programming and robotics software such as Scratch, Lego Mindstorms, M-Bot, Arduino and Bee-Bot are tools with a block-based coding interface. While there was no consensus on the scope and measurement of CT, CT was generally studied within the framework of abstraction, decomposition, algorithmic thinking, and debugging sub-skills. CT developments were measured through scales and tests consisting mostly of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The research focused on primary and secondary school students while it was limited on preschool level. In addition, studies stating that gender is an effective factor in the development of CT in different age groups are in the majority. Whilst trying to integrate CT into courses in schools, the number of development courses for pre-service and in-service teachers is increasing. Within the framework of the results obtained from the research, the differences in the scope, development, measurement, and evaluation of CT are discussed.