Designing Programming Tasks for Measuring Computational Thinking

• In Event: 53.082 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 53.082-3 - Special Topics in Engineering and Computer Science: Engineering Design, Computational Thinking, and Assessment

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) comprises problem-solving skills such as iterative refinement, decomposing complex problems, debugging, and abstraction, in addition to appropriate use of algorithmic concepts to compose computational solutions. These skills are called out as essential components of computer science (CS) learning in efforts to promote “CS for All” in K-12 schools. Programming is a key mechanism for promoting CT and is a central feature of most K-12 CS curricula. However, measurement of student learning in programming remains underdeveloped. This research aims to fill the gap in measurement and assessments of CT in programming. We report on how programming tasks were designed specifically aimed at measuring CT along with results from a pilot with 55 high school students studying Exploring CS.

Authors

• Shuchi Grover, SRI International

• Satabdi Basu, Vanderbilt University

• Marie Bienkowski, SRI International