The interplay between mathematical and computational thinking in primary school students’ mathematical problem-solving within a programming environment

The interplay between mathematical and computational thinking in primary school students’ mathematical problem-solving within a programming environment

• Cui, Zhihao The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Ng, Oi Lam The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Journal of Educational Computing Research, 59(5), 988-1012, 2021

SAGE Publications

2021

• G Curriculum, Teaching & Learning: Specific Disciplines
  • GC Mathematics & Statistics
    • GCC Teaching Methods & Their Outcomes

Computational Thinking Challenges Constructionism Mathematics Education Programming

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Primary Education

In this paper, we explore the challenges experienced by a group of Primary 5 to 6 (age 12-14) students as they engaged in a series of problem-solving tasks through block-based programming. The challenges were analysed according to a taxonomy focusing on the presence of computational thinking (CT) elements in mathematics contexts: preparing problems, programming, create computational abstractions, as well as troubleshooting and debugging. Our results suggested that the challenges experienced by students were compounded by both having to learn the CT-based environment as well as to apply mathematical concepts and problem solving in that environment. Possible explanations for the observed challenges stemming from differences between CT and mathematical thinking are discussed in detail, along with suggestions towards improving the effectiveness of integrating CT into mathematics learning. This study provides evidence-based directions towards enriching mathematics education with computation. Copyright ©2021 SAGE Publications.

• English

Journal Articles

• 07356331

• 10.1177/0735633120979930

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/en/bibs/51782d82

2022-05-12