Computational thinking refers to "solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behaviour, by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science”(Baroutsis, p10, 2019). Computational thinking concepts are logic, algorithms, decomposition, abstraction, patterns, and evaluation. Logic is when you predict and analyse what to do and what will happen. Algorithms are "step-by-step instructions" and rules. Decomposition is when you "break down the problem into smaller parts", and abstractions refers to "focusing on what is important and ignoring what is unnecessary" (www.youtube.com, 2017). Patterns can be seen through spotting and seeing similarities, and then evaluation is when you make a judgment on what has happened. Below is a video which has been useful in helping me understand what some keywords relating to computational thinking are. This can be useful to show a class as they repeat what he says and copy his actions making it more memorable and fun for them to learn.
(www.youtube.com, 2017)
Algorithms
When teaching computational thinking to children you must link it to real-life examples this makes the learning memorable, easy to understand, and exciting. For example, when teaching what an algorithm is you can link it to baking a cake. A recipe would be an example of an algorithm as you must follow "all the steps" to make the cake, if you do not follow the right steps then the algorithm will end up not working well (BBC Bitesize, n.d.). Berry, (2013) highlights how it is good to encourage children when their algorithms go wrong, this is because they should try to decompose after and see what they have done incorrectly. This links to the teachers' standards (DfE) as teachers should "set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils" doing this allows children to step out of their comfort zone and can allow them to learn and be engaged. One example of a pictorial algorithm is below. This example is great as it is a real-life example and is simple to understand.
Logical Reasoning
When teaching it is important to "encourage pupils to
make a prediction about what the program will do" this will ensure the children understand what is happening and will allow them to think of reasons why it is happening (Berry, 2013). Showing examples of Pro-Bot algorithms for shapes on the whiteboard will help children identify the format and see similarities and differences. This can help them have logical reasoning as to why our algorithm is written the way it is. An example of the algorithm is written below this can help children understand that the angles and directions are important.
Repeating similar algorithms may assist children in decomposing the algorithm. This is important because "we can predict exactly how they’ll behave through repeated experience"(Berry, 2013). Repetition can also help students find patterns and simplify the algorithm.
In regular shapes all the angle and length sizes are identical. It is not necessary to input each angle and length to the Pro-Bot. This is an example of a dodecagon with 12 sides. By putting Rrt meaning repeat it makes it easier to input the algorithm.
Overall computational thinking is important to understand because it allows you to think of what you need to teach within the lesson and think about ways children can use different ways to think computationally. When teaching computing it is important to use these key words about computational thinking so that children can understand what skills they are learning.
References
Baroutsis,
A. et al. (2019) ‘Computational thinking as a foundation for coding: Developing
student engagement and learning’, Australian primary mathematics classroom,
24(2), pp. 10–15. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3316/aeipt.224259
Pictorial coding What is Turtle Academy? Turtle Academy is an example of pictural coding as when you put in the algorithm a picture is made. When using T urtle Academy, you can move the turtle forwards and backwards, you can also turn right and left by any angle you want to. By there being any angles, you can turn it allows you to have more freedom with what patterns and shapes you can make. This can therefore be seen as a cross-curriculum lesson as you are teaching maths through “identifying properties of 2d shapes” by working out the angles and number of sides (DfE). When using Turtle Academy it is important that children understand what functions you can put into the algorith m. Some examples which I found useful are below... Forward Fd Right Turn rt Left Turn lt Clear algorithm/ clear screen CS Turn backwards Lt 180 or rt 180 What is Scratch? One easy e...
(Simon, p7, 2011 )
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