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Fostering Computational Thinking in Early Learners: An Iterative Approach in a Maltese Primary School

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Title: Fostering Computational Thinking in Early Learners: An Iterative Approach in a Maltese Primary School
Language: English
Authors: Diane Vassallo
Source: Discover Education. 2025 4.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Grade 1
Primary Education
Descriptors: Computation, Thinking Skills, Grade 1, Elementary School Students, Design, Research Methodology, Early Childhood Education, Intervention, Program Effectiveness, Foreign Countries, Barriers, Problem Solving, Learner Engagement
Geographic Terms: Malta
DOI: 10.1007/s44217-025-00553-z
ISSN: 2731-5525
Abstract: As digital integration transforms modern society, equipping young learners with computational thinking (CT) skills has become an essential educational goal. However, many education systems face challenges in adapting curricula to include CT, particularly in early childhood education where resources, teacher preparedness, and instructional design require careful attention. This study adopts a novel design-based research (DBR) methodology, uniquely integrated with the Interest-Driven Creator (IDC) theory, to explore and refine effective strategies for enacting CT learning outcomes in early childhood classrooms, particularly in contexts where CT is not yet embedded in national curricula. Over a 10-week intervention in a Maltese primary school, 119 Year 1 students participated in progressively designed CT unplugged and plugged activities, aligned with iterative feedback loops to refine teaching practices. Data collected through observations, reflective meetings, interviews, and TechCheck assessments revealed consistent improvements in students' CT scores, engagement, and problem-solving abilities. Findings highlight key implementation challenges, such as resource limitations and the need for sustained teacher training, while offering practical recommendations for curriculum design. This study contributes original insights to the growing discourse on CT integration in early education by presenting an iterative, theoretically grounded intervention model that is both adaptable and scalable, offering practical solutions for curriculum designers, educators and policymakers.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1471826
Database: ERIC
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  Data: 10.1007/s44217-025-00553-z
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  Data: As digital integration transforms modern society, equipping young learners with computational thinking (CT) skills has become an essential educational goal. However, many education systems face challenges in adapting curricula to include CT, particularly in early childhood education where resources, teacher preparedness, and instructional design require careful attention. This study adopts a novel design-based research (DBR) methodology, uniquely integrated with the Interest-Driven Creator (IDC) theory, to explore and refine effective strategies for enacting CT learning outcomes in early childhood classrooms, particularly in contexts where CT is not yet embedded in national curricula. Over a 10-week intervention in a Maltese primary school, 119 Year 1 students participated in progressively designed CT unplugged and plugged activities, aligned with iterative feedback loops to refine teaching practices. Data collected through observations, reflective meetings, interviews, and TechCheck assessments revealed consistent improvements in students' CT scores, engagement, and problem-solving abilities. Findings highlight key implementation challenges, such as resource limitations and the need for sustained teacher training, while offering practical recommendations for curriculum design. This study contributes original insights to the growing discourse on CT integration in early education by presenting an iterative, theoretically grounded intervention model that is both adaptable and scalable, offering practical solutions for curriculum designers, educators and policymakers.
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      – SubjectFull: Computation
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      – SubjectFull: Thinking Skills
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      – SubjectFull: Early Childhood Education
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      – SubjectFull: Malta
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