High School Teachers' Orientations to Curriculum Materials During Creative Open-Ended Programming Projects (Poster 26)

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Computational Thinking and the Learner and Educator Experience

Abstract

We want students to be creative thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Open-ended programming projects in computer science provide an opportunity for students to exercise their creativity. Many curricula have been developed in recent years to help students learn the skills of programming and make creative products. However, no curriculum can fully capture the surprising and uncertain nature of creative work. I explore teachers’ relationship with curriculum materials during open-ended projects and characterize teachers’ orientations towards curricula. I find that teachers express views that the curriculum restricts creativity, teaches creativity, and supports creativity. This study explores these views and some of their consequences for learning and instruction.

Author

• Jane M Kang, Harvard University