Exploring Computational Thinking and STEM Education in Early Childhood: Collaborative Partnerships With Diverse Stakeholders

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In this digital and AI era, preparing young children and their educators with computational thinking (CT) and STEM skills is paramount through innovative approaches and research findings. This symposium assembles four interconnected presentations to explore practical coding tools, intergenerational learning programs, design thinking activities, and professional development opportunities for educators. Attendees will gain valuable insights into promoting computational thinking and STEM skills in preschoolers through culturally responsive activities, collaborative learning settings, and robust professional development frameworks. Highlighting the significance of research-practice partnerships, this symposium emphasizes the collaborative efforts of children, teachers, teacher educators, parents, and researchers in transforming early childhood education.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Early Education and Child Development

Chair

• Hui Li, The Education University of Hong Kong

Papers

• Debugging Pathways: Preschoolers' Computational Thinking through Tangible Coding - Ilene R. Berson, University of South Florida; Michael J. Berson, University of South Florida

• How Do Children and Parents Learn Computational Thinking Together? - Grace Yaxin Xing, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Co-designing Design Thinking Games for Preschoolers: Insights from Teachers and Parents - Yingqiao Du, The Education University of Hong Kong; Weipeng Yang, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Preschool Teacher Professional Development in STEM Education: A Scoping Review - Sha Xie, Shenzhen University; Siman Yang, Shenzhen University; Ning Lin, Shenzhen University; Qing Luo, Shenzhen University; Huiqi Li, Shenzhen University; Yuying Situ, Shenzhen University

Discussant

• X. Christine Wang, University at Buffalo - SUNY