Culturally Relevant Computational Thinking: A Science and Engineering Practice for Nonscience Teachers

• In Event: 61.059 - Science Teaching and Learning SIG Paper Session: Preservice Teachers

Abstract

This study focused on exploring pre-service teachers’ learning about the two constructs of computational thinking and culturally relevant pedagogy. However, a severe lack of teachers with the requisite content and pedagogical knowledge to teach more advanced computer science courses exists. To address these issues, our team has developed a program focused on working with afterschool programs serving urban Latinx middle school students to engage in several different activities focused on computational thinking and programming. To enhance the impact of the project, pre-service teachers are recruited to provide instruction for these activities. To learn about computational thinking and the influence of culture in learning, these teachers also participate in a two-semester course specifically designed for the project.

Authors

• Patrick James Enderle, Georgia State University

• Rouhollah Aghasaleh, Georgia State University