Education Commons^™

Effects Of Instruction In Advanced Planning On Computational Problem Solving In A Group Environment, Adam Grobman

IMSAloquium Student Investigation Showcase

An increase in computer science careers will require workers to solve problems with advanced technology; even jobs outside this domain will depend on basic understanding of computer power. However, teaching the skills needed for proficiency has proved difficult. To combat this, we designed and implemented a Scratch-based computational thinking program that culminated in a group problem solving activity. We then added a lesson into the program that focused on planning methods—goal setting, action planning, and division of labor. Students (N = 54) completed surveys before and after the learning experience to measure whether explicitly teaching planning strategies assists in …