Embodied design: A framework for teaching practices focused on the early development of computational thinking

Abstract

Computational thinking, as an essential competency for the future development of citizens, is an important goal of computer science instruction. Although studies have shown that early exposure to computer programming is beneficial for improving computational thinking, current programming instruction does not systematically consider the factors that influence the development of computational thinking. To promote the early development of computational thinking, we analyzed the main factors that influence the development of computational thinking in terms of learners' cognitive level, instructional content, and technological environment. Therefore, this study proposes a teaching framework for developing computational thinking based on embodied cognitive theory. This teaching framework shows how to choose a suitable technological environment, design the appropriate content and apply adequate methods to effectively promote students' computational thinking development.

Computational Thinking Skills in 21st Century Mathematics Learning

“…The relationship between computational thinking and literacy is explored through a three-dimensional framework, highlighting the ways in which computational thinking skills facilitate literacy development (Jacob & Warschauer, 2018). Additionally, a teaching framework for developing computational thinking based on embodied cognitive theory is proposed, emphasizing the early development of computational thinking (Deng et al, 2022). The importance of computational thinking in the development of 21st century skills has been emphasized, with patterns of its integration determined from a disciplinary perspective (Lee & Malyn-Smith, 2019).…”

“…The theoretical framework of computational thinking extends to the early development of cognitive skills, proposing teaching practices based on embodied cognitive theory (Deng et al, 2022). Furthermore, computational thinking has been linked to mathematical modeling, emphasizing its significance in logical reasoning and problem-solving (Sanford & Naidu, 2017).…”