Defining a New 21st Century Skill-Computational Thinking: Concepts and Trends

Abstract

Computational Thinking is a skill that guides the 21th century individual in the problems experienced during daily life and it has an ever-increasing significance. Multifarious definitions were attempted to explain the concept of Computational Thinking. However, it was determined that there was no consensus on this matter in the literature and several different concepts were mentioned in the definitions found in the literature. It was considered that this fact made it difficult to understand the concept of Computational Thinking. To establish a more comprehensive approach, the present study aimed to identify the concepts that are included in the Computational Thinking definitions that were presented in previous studies. It also aimed to reveal trends in the identified concepts throughout the years. As a result of the search, a total of 59 definitions were identified and a content analysis was conducted on these definitions. Analysis results demonstrated that Computational Thinking was defined based on several concepts such as problem solving, technology, thinking, individual and social qualities. Furthermore, it was determined that statements on thinking were prominent before 2006, and today, emphasis on problem solving and technology became more significant. It was considered that the present study would contribute to a better understanding of the Computational Thinking concept. At the end of the study, certain suggestions were presented for further research.

Computational Thinking in K-12: An analysis with Mathematics Teachers

“…In this sense, Kalelioglu, Gülbahar and Kukul, (2016) and Valente (2019) emphasize that there is no accepted or well-known definition of CT that has been scientifically proven, as several researchers seem to perceive the concept in a slightly different way and finding a definition that every researcher agrees has been a difficult task. Haseski et al (2018) conducted a database search process in publications up to 2016, totaling 59 definitions, of which 38 were from 2011 to 2016. The analysis of this study has showed that the definition of CT uses several concepts, and resolution of problems appears 121 times; technology 53 times; thought 35; personal characteristics 16 times; operational characteristics 12; quality 10 and social characteristics 9 times.…”

“…The adoption of Computational Thinking (CT) ideas and programming teaching in K-12 schools can be found in national and international programs and initiatives (Barr & Stephenson, 2011;Guzdial, 2008;Haseski, Ilic & Tugtekin, 2018;Kong & Abelson, 2019;Royal Society, 2012).…”

Students' Computational Thinking Skill through Cooperative Learning Based on Hands-on, Inquiry-based, and Student-centric Learning Approaches

“…Of late, many scholars and practitioners have raised the imperative of having a well-developed CT skill among students. In this regard, [1] assert that students in this century need to possess sound CT skill in dealing with more challenging problems compared to those in earlier centuries. In other words, the imperative for such a skill has grown significantly, given the complexities of today's life.…”

“…For example, [12] carried out a study in which they found that CT scores correlated strongly with general academic success, thus they concluded that such a skill could be used as an early indicator and predictor of academic success. Spurred by the promising, interesting findings of a study by [1], new methods and techniques for integrating CT into existing curricula have been proposed to help students develop CT skill, encompassing all levels of education, from the pre-school to the university. In particular, they suggested that several activities could be developed and applied to public schools for students of different ages.…”

Identifying the Factor of Mathematical Reasoning That Affects the Ability to Programming Algorithm

“…Computational thinking is the everyday living skills needed by everyone, not just programming skills used commonly by computer scientists (Wing, 2006(Wing, , 2008. According to (Haseski, Ilic, & Tugtekin, 2018), computational thinking is an important part of learning in the 21 st century. (Weintrop et al, 2016) assigned 10 initial skills in computational thinking that must be taught in school.…”