Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
of the IEEE 10th International Conference on Engineering Education (ICEED2018), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 8-9, 2018
Abstract— Soft skills are important criteria in preparing Hence, CT can be a bridge between machine and human
for a viable future employment, the lack of which, may result ways of solving problems by merging both ways.
in a low employment rate among university graduates. These
skills can be acquired via the use of Computational Thinking CT was first introduced by Seymour Papert [4] in 1996.
(CT) to cultivate problem solving and thinking skills. Since the However, it was not until 2006, that it began to receive a lot
inception of CT, however, not a single unified model has been of attention, after being re-introduced by Jeannette Wing [5],
developed as a guideline for educators. Based on the relevant and this was subsequently followed by many researches on
articles available in IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Springer and CT from various fields. Despite the increasingly growing
ScienceDirect Journal, this paper comparing different CT interests in CT within a span of almost two decades, unified
models that focus on different CT dimensions which is models which all schools of thoughts can refer to remain
concepts, practices and perspectives. lacking, making assessment and pedagogical designs
difficult to conduct.
Keywords— computational thinking; soft skill; employment;
problem solving; thinking. This paper provided an overview of existing models
available in teaching CT. A unified CT model can be created
by reviewing the other models developed from previous
I. INTRODUCTION
studies. In this study, these models were compared, focus on
Soft skills cannot possibly be acquired in a day, as three different dimensions of CT which is concepts, practices
repetitive practices are required in the process. Shakir [1] and perspectives.
reported the lack of soft skills as one of the main reasons for
failing an interview. This report highlighted the cause for a
II. METHODS
low employability percentage among public university
graduates. Soft skills, such as problem-solving and thinking This paper is another version of an overview model of
skills are highly demanded today’ fast changing world, as CT by Palts and Pedaste [6] with a similar method of
employees need to be always ready to tackle every problem analysis by sorting the CT approach into concept, practice
by thinking the best and the fastest solution. With the current and perspective. In contrast to the study by Palts and Pedaste
advancement of computer technology, relying on non- [6] which was about a CT learning model, this research
technological solutions alone is no more sufficient to catch attempted to identify a CT teaching model. The research was
up with the problems encountered. Even if they did, it will carried out electronically from IEEE Xplore Digital Library,
take a longer time. For example, a traditional account report Springer and ScienceDirect Journal. These outstanding
is not preferable, as even the purchasing process is being databases consist of established articles related to technology
done online. and education disciplines. The research was done as follows:
Technological innovations have positively disrupted the 1. The articles were searched under the keyword
way the world works, and the resulting pace of technological “computational thinking”, which resulted in a total of
advancement has called for analytical thinking skills to be 2296 (IEEE), 153876 (Springer) and 43729
revisited. Short & Keller-Bell [2] mentioned that, “the key to (ScienceDirect) published articles about CT found in
success in the twenty-first century and future labor markets is academic journals.
to integrate hard and soft skills into a comprehensive 2. The articles were sorted for those published between
package tailored to specific needs, including the ability to year 2016 until year 2018 only, where a total of 461
think clearly about complex problems and apply creative and (IEEE), 18520 (Springer) and 7385 (ScienceDirect)
innovation solutions to solve problems”. The emergence of were found.
Computational Thinking (CT) has provided an opportunity to
cultivate problem solving and thinking skills and tackle 3. Only articles written in English with full access and
employment problems as defined by Jeannette Wing [3], related to the implementation of computational
“CT is the thought processes involved in formulating a thinking in education equipped with models were
problem and expressing its solution(s) in such a way that a selected. Abstracts of the 6326 articles were read for
computer - human or machine – can effectively carry out”. further sorting, leaving only 12 articles to be
analyzed.
Table I shows the findings from IEEE, Springer and by Borges et. al [10] concluded that CT could contribute to
ScienceDirect database that contain the integration of CT in the development of formal thinking. Missiroli, Russo &
various fields and settings of learning. These findings show Ciancarini [11], meanwhile, who studied experimental data,
that, research activities mostly involved university settings, found that, pair learning would be needed to enforce CT by
with a score of 60%, compared to school settings. The merging the values of CT and Agile. The philosophy of
intervention was used mostly for computer science subjects, Agile “acknowledges that, not all information and know-how
except in a study by Burbaite [7] which was used for STEM might be available at the beginning of a project; therefore,
education. reaching the goal requires several iterations, each closer to
the solution” [11].
Three dimensions of CT were first proposed by Brennan
and Resnick [8] in their framework back in 2012, before Lye
and Koh [9] used the same concept to review CT in B. Dimension 2: Computational Thinking Practices
programming teaching and learning in 2014. Meanwhile, Practices dimension is a problem-solving practice [6] that
Palts and Pedaste [6] used three dimensions of CT, namely, happens throughout the process of programming learning.
CT concepts, CT practices, and CT perspectives, to review a This includes problem identification, decomposition,
model of learning CT. In this paper, the three dimensions abstraction, testing and debugging [12]. CT practices is the
were used to categorize the articles to review a model of highest dimension found with a score of 50%, 3 each being
teaching CT. These dimensions are fit to understand the way in a school setting and a university setting, where more
to nurture CT in teaching as they are also in line with complex programming was taught. These 6 articles were
assessing the development of CT in the original framework found to be present in all the three types of research, namely,
as proposed by Brennan and Resnick [8]. survey (3 articles), experimental (2 articles) and case study
(1 article).
A. Dimension 1: Computational Thinking Concepts Studies by Pedersen et.al [13], Malizia, Turchi and Olsen
Concepts dimension exposed students to programming [14] and Daungcharone [15] found that, an educational
concepts, such as sequencing, switches, events, conditionals, robotic system could naturally inject CT in other subjects
operators, variables and loops. This dimension perceives [13], develop algorithmic thinking among non-programmers
“how students learnt the technicalities of programming” [9]. [14] and affect learner’s motivation [15], respectively.
Findings from this study showed that, only two studies used Tangible user interface (TUI) is more helpful in learning,
the CT concepts dimension, namely those by Borges et. al compared to screen, as evident in educational robotic
[10] and Missiroli, Russo & Ciancarini [11]. The case study
systems, known as BRICKO [13] and Tangible The model developed by Burbaite, Drasute, and Stuikys
Programmable Augmented Surface (TAPAS) [14]. [7], introduced a Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy and
Computational Thinking Model to prove that STEM
On the other hand, experimental studies conducted by supported the cultivation of CT. This model provided the
Xiao & Yu [16] in primary schools and Chang [17] in evidence of availability through a case study implemented in
universities revealed that both settings reported results in the existing curriculum.
favor of CT cultivation using visual programming tools, App
Inventor [16] and StarLogo TNG [17]. The model developed by Sharifah Maryam, Mahyuddin
& Hasnah [20] is about a CICP Process in Ideation Stage,
However, a case study conducted by Tabesh [18], which integrates CT and innovation processes in a higher
conducted in a Polypup platform to expose CT by exploring educational curriculum. A qualitative action research study
mathematical concepts through games, found that, through has been conducted through observation and interviews
digital experience, learners developed their own among school teachers in different disciplines.
mathematical abilities [18].
The model of Cultivating Computational Thinking Based
C. Dimension 3: Computational Thinking Perspectives on Visual Programming by Xiao and Yu [16] aims to
Perspective dimension is the concept shaped by cultivate CT via a visual programming tool, known as App
understanding “the world around them and about Inventor, based on the combination of teaching plan and
themselves” [8] which emphasizes on students’ learning plan. The experimental results confirmed that,
understanding in solving a problem critically. It was found students’ CT improved, in terms of formalization and
that, 4 out of 12 articles were perspective dimension in modelling.
nature, covering a fair number of school and university All the three models have different settings, in the forms
settings. For a school setting, both studies conducted by of high school [7], university [20] and primary school [16]
Burbaitė, Drąsutė and Štuikys [7] and Chalmers [12] found and also different types of research, namely, case study [7],
that, CT injection in STEM discipline resulted in positive survey [20] and experiment [16]. These differences are good
results [7] [12]. As for the university setting, both studies by to develop a unified model of CT for a better implementation
Pérez and Valladares [19] and Sharifah Maryam, Mahyuddin in various fields and settings which will provide different
and Hasnah [20] concluded that, the best integration of CT perspectives of CT acceptance at all levels. A unified model
would require a centralized assessment [19] and a framework is the combination of similar issues with different
[20]. perspectives [22].
Data Representation
Pattern Recognition
Evaluating Solution
learning [13]; CT in formal thinking to foster a cognitive
Generalization/
development [10]; cooperative thinking for computer science Decomposition
Abstraction
Algorithm
Model
students [11]; block-orientation programmable objects to
learn CT [14]; CT enhancement through simulation games
[15]; designing programming courses [17], problem solving
puzzles through CT [18] and robotic coding to introduce CT
[12]. [7] Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy
Based on these findings, a total of three models of CT and Computational Thinking
[20] CICP Process in Ideation Stage
could be referred to: 1) Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy and [16] Model of Cultivating
Computational Thinking 2) CICP Process in Ideation Stage Computational Thinking Based on
and 3) Model of Cultivating Computational (Table II). These Visual Programming
models were referred to in creating a unified model of CT
due to their concrete evidence of implementation. Besides, Components of CT present in these three models are
the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy and Computational Thinking displayed in Table III. They are all well in accordance with
model by Burbaite, Drasute, and Stuikys [7] has been the operational definitions of CT by Computer Science
published in “Smart STEM-driven computer science Teachers Association (ISTE) and International Society for
education” a 14- chapter book discussing the practical use Technology in Education (CSTA) [23]. These two
and values of the model with multiple case studies [21]. organizations are the most suitable reference, due to their
extensive involvement and expertise in developing
educational standards, curriculum materials, and professional
TABLE II. ARTICLES CONSIST MODEL
development for educators [24].
Author Model Assessment
[7] Burbaitė, Drąsutė Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy Achievement The definition of each components of CT are as follows:
and Štuikys and Computational Thinking test 1) Abstraction – simplifying from concrete to general
[20] Sharifah Maryam, Observation 2) Decomposition– breaking down problems
CICP Process in Ideation Stage
Mahyuddin & Hasnah Interview
3) Pattern recognition– expanding existing solutions to
Model of Cultivating Problem-
[16] Xiao and Yu Computational Thinking Based solving test cover more cases
on Visual Programming 4) Data representation – sequencing of meaningful symbols
5) Algorithm – step by step instructions
6) Evaluating solution – ensure solution fit for purpose
Abstraction, generalization or pattern recognition and TABLE IV. KNOWLEDGE DIMENSION, COGNITIVE DIMENSION AND CT
SKILLS (ADAPTED FROM [7][27])
algorithm were all present in these three models. Meanwhile,
data representation was present in one model, namely, CICP Cognitive Process Dimension
Process in Ideation Stage and evaluating solution was present
Understand
Remember
also in only one model, namely, Model of Cultivating Knowledge
Evaluate
Analyze
Create
Apply
Computational Thinking Based on Visual Programming. Dimension
However, for a full access of CT skills, all six components
are accountable in a unified model, all deemed important in
Factual
teaching CT [4]. Conceptual
Procedural X X X
A. Model 1: Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy (RBT) and Metacognitive
Computational Thinking (CT) Model
Generalization/
Decomposition
Representation
A model by Burbaitė, Drąsutė and Štuikys [7] is to assess
Recognition
Abstraction
Algorithm
Pattern
students’ achievements, according to Bloom’s taxonomy in
Data
relations to CT skills. The revised Bloom’s taxonomy (RBT)
proposed by Anderson and Krathwohl [26] focuses on
learning objective represented in Knowledge and Cognitive
CT Skills
Process dimension.
The Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy (RBT) and Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy and Computational
Computational Thinking (CT) Model is presented in Fig.1. Thinking Model has been implemented in two case studies in
developing CT skills among STEM learners in Computer
Science which covered both formal and informal learning.
Results of the case studies found that, through the integration
of CT in formal learning environment, a mixed science
knowledge of Physics and CS, leading to acquiring the
procedural knowledge is obtained, where a learner reuses
prior knowledges to generate a new knowledge. This study
presents a vision to develop CT skills by injecting STEM in
CS education.
The idea of merging Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy as
proposed by Burbaitė, Drąsutė and Štuikys [7] in assessing
learner’s computational thinking is brilliant, as it is an
appropriate way to merge all the dimensions of learning. A
unified model should be carefully developed so as to
beautifully merge all the dimensions in any future work.
Step-by-step instructions to solve a problem by CT were
Fig. 1. Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy and Computational Thinking Model
not discussed in detail in this model, whereas these steps
[7]
need to be addressed well in a unified model, as highlighted
The model shown in Fig.1 represents the increase in by Nilsen [28], who stated, that through detailed steps of the
knowledge dimension, from Factual to Metacognitive once way the model works, its best implementation can be
more cognitive process and computational thinking skills are achieved.
acquired by a learner. For example, if a learner can create an
algorithm to solve a problem while understanding and B. Model 2: CICP Process in Ideation Stage
decomposing the problem and analyzing the pattern, he or The model by Sharifah Maryam, Mahyuddin & Hasnah
she is considered to have achieved Procedural Knowledge, as [20] is focused on the CICP process in the ideation stage
shown in Table IV. framework which integrates CT in the innovation process.
The flowchart in Fig. 2 shows the CICP process in the
ideation stage.
trained to teach CT and the evaluation of the implementation Computational Thinking - Developing the Educational Robot
of CT also need to be done to ensure that, the integration of BRICKO,” 2018 IEEE Integr. STEM Educ. Conf., pp. 37–44, 2018.
CT in learning is centralized and effective. [14] A. Malizia, T. Turchi, and K. A. Olsen, “Block-oriented programming
with tangibles: An engaging way to learn computational thinking
skills,” 2017 IEEE Blocks Beyond Work., pp. 61–64, 2017.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT [15] K. Daungcharone, “Enhancement the computational thinking skills
via the simulation game,” 2017 Int. Conf. Digit. Arts, Media Technol.,
The authors are very grateful to Universiti Teknologi pp. 195–199, 2017.
Malaysia and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) for [16] M. Xiao and X. Yu, “A Model of Cultivating Computational
sponsoring this research (RJ130000.7831.4F909) under the Thinking Based on Visual Programming,” 2017 Int. Conf. Educ.
Fundamental Research Grand Scheme. Innov. through Technol., pp. 75–80, 2017.
[17] C.-K. Chang, “Using Computational Thinking Patterns to Scaffold
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