The Computational Algorithmic Thinking Capability Tree: An Approach to Articulating Complex Cognitive Skills and Capabilities Over Time

• In Event: 46.016 - Minority Achievement in K–12 Education

Abstract

Computational algorithmic thinking (CAT) is the ability to design, implement, and assess the implementation of algorithms to solve a range of problems. While there is a great deal of research that examines how to engage students in computational thinking and learning in CS, there is a scarcity of research that focuses on understanding and describing how the development of CAT happens over time as a complex cognitive capability. This submission describes our preliminary findings in articulating CAT, namely the creation of a visual representation of the process(es) students engage in as they use CAT capabilities. This representation is an iteratively-refined articulation of the steps involved in CAT called the CAT Capability Tree.

Authors

• Jakita Thomas, Spelman College

• Megan Holloway, Spelman College

• Andrea Richmond, Spelman College

• Quimeka Saunders, Spelman College

• Taqiyya Thomas, Spelman College