This paper provides a longitudinal analysis of the understanding of repetition patterns by 24 Spanish children ages 3, 4 and 5, through representation and the type of justification. A mixed quantitative and qualitative study is conducted to establish bridges between algebraic thinking and computational thinking by teaching repetition patterns in…

Computational thinking is a means to understand and solve complex problems through using computer science concepts and techniques. While there is an increase in the number of initiatives focusing on coding, whether they (a) address computational thinking and problem-solving skills and (b) use methods of teaching problem solving is yet to be…

This research proposes the integration of robotic education and scenario-based learning (SBL) paradigm for teaching computational thinking (CT) to enhance the computational abilities of primary school students, based on digital innovation and a teaching assistant robot acceptance model. The sample group consisted of 532 primary school teachers and…

Although abstraction is widely understood to be one of the primary components of computational thinking, the roots of abstraction may be traced back to different fields. Hence, the meaning of abstraction in the context of computational thinking is often confounded, as researchers interpret abstraction through diverse lenses. To disentangle these…

Computational thinking can provide a basis for problem solving, for making evidence-based decisions, and for learning to code or create programs. Therefore, it is critical that all students across the K-12 continuum--including students in the early grades--have opportunities to begin developing problem solving and computational thinking skills.…

Giftedness in numeracy skills in young children is a phenomenon that is not always visible and easily identifiable. However, these numeracy skills should be recognised in the early years of pre-school education for adequate enrichment on curriculum and pedagogy in teaching young children. Numeracy skills in young children at pre-schools involves…

The pattern, which is a key concept in understanding the mathematical information and concepts, is the basis in comprehending mathematical relations and in understanding mathematical order and logic. The fact that students discover the relationships contained within the patterns and generalize them helps them develop their skills to better…

Road map problems ask students to integrate their knowledge of organic reactions with pattern recognition skills to "fill in the blanks" in the synthesis of an organic compound. Students are asked to identify familiar organic reactions in unfamiliar contexts. A practical context, such as a medicinally useful target compound, helps…

The authors document their experience of working with 6-year-olds over several weeks. They share some observations that arise from weekly sessions they conducted which have been under way for several years and which have been widely reported. These observations show the payoff of a problem-solving approach to learning.

As teachers plan instruction--even instruction about punctuation--they have the opportunity to engage students' minds and create new labels: question-asking, problem-solving. How teachers teach embeds a vision of who they think kids are and what they think kids are capable of. Are they destined for a future of critical thinking, questioning,…

Abstraction is a major concept in computer science and serves as a powerful tool in software development. Pattern-oriented instruction (POI) is a pedagogical approach that incorporates patterns in an introductory computer science course in order to structure the learning of algorithmic problem solving. This paper examines abstraction processes in…

Cross-sectional and longitudinal data from students as they advance through the middle school years (grades 6-8) reveal insights into the development of students' pattern generalization abilities. As expected, students show a preference for lower-level tasks such as "reading the data," over more distant predictions and generation of abstractions.…

Human Biology courses are typically offered for non-biology majors who, like students in high school biology courses, have varying degrees of motivation and background. The primary focus is on explaining the biology behind human health and disease, but human ecology, human evolution, and human genetics may also be covered. Hence, Human Biology…

An approach to teaching sequences is described. The method is based on finding generating functions. (SD)

Cognitive theories of problem solving and suggestions made by cognitive psychologists regarding how to teach problem solving are reviewed. Theories and suggestions from creativity research are also considered. The results are summarized in terms of a description of how high levels of proficiency in problem solving are acquired and how problem…