Scratching the Surface: First Steps in Preservice Teacher Training on Computational Thinking

• In Event: 49.048 - Integrating Engineering Experiences in Science Education

Abstract

Nationally there is a push to incorporate computational thinking into K-12 schools. One approach we believe has promise is to integrate the use of computational thinking and programming as a tool to be used in other school subjects. This paper describes a pilot study where K-12 preservice teachers at a large Midwestern university were given computational thinking training designed using Bandura's self-efficacy model. The participants' teaching self-efficacy for computational thinking was assessed (using an instrument with Cronbach's Alpha of 0.935) before and after the intervention, and a large statistically significant positive effect was found, pre (M = 21.50, SD = 8.16) to post (M=31.75, SE = 6.45), t(107)=13.613, p<.0001, Cohen's effect size value (d = 1.316).

Authors

• Nathan H Bean, Kansas State University

• Richard Scott Bell

• Russell Feldhausen