Computer Science (CS) Unplugged activities are designed to engage students with CS concepts. It is an active learning approach combining physical interaction with visual representation. This research article investigates the impact of CS Unplugged on students' understanding of the bubble sort algorithm. Algorithm visualization, traditionally…

This study was carried out to develop a test to assess algorithmic thinking skills. To this end, the twelve steps suggested by Downing (2006) were adopted. Throughout the test development, 24 middle school sixth-grade students and eight experts in different areas took part as needed in the tasks on the project. The test was given to 252 students…

This study sought to compare the effectiveness of teaching with manipulatives versus algorithms and procedures. Assessment data were collected before instruction, after instruction with algorithms and procedures, and after instruction with modeling and manipulatives. Data were collected from 113 students from the 5th, 6th, and 7th grades within…

This study presents a collaborative learning experience design aimed to promote Algorithmic Literacy (AL) among middle school students. Developed in partnership with middle school teachers and students, the design addresses the need to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate an algorithm-driven digital landscape. The…

While research has shown that students' epistemic beliefs can be a strong predictor of their academic performance, cognitive abilities, or self-efficacy, studies of this topic in computer education are rare. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, it aimed to validate a newly developed questionnaire for measuring students' epistemic beliefs…

Examining students' attitudes towards STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields starting from middle school level is important in their career choices and future planning. However, there is a need to investigate which variables affect students' attitudes towards STEM. Here, we aimed to estimate middle school students'…

This study examined whether socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) enhances students' algorithmic thinking performance, promotes learning participation and improves students' learning attitudes through game-based collaborative learning. The students learned algorithmic knowledge and completed programing tasks using Kodu, a new visual…

Within the last decade, different educational data mining techniques, particularly quantitative methods such as clustering, and regression analysis are widely used to analyze the data from educational games. In this research, we implemented a quantitative data mining technique (clustering) to further investigate students' feedback. Students played…

The new Croatian Informatics curriculum, which introduces computational thinking concepts into learning outcomes has been put into practice. A computational thinking assessment model reflecting the learning outcomes of the Croatian curriculum was created using an evidence-centered design approach. The possibility of assessing the computational…

The purpose of this action research was to implement a digital game development project and describe its effects on the performance and attitudes of eighth-grade students in a required computer science course at South Carolina School District Alpha. The following research questions were explored: (1) How does the game development project impact…