Influence of programming education modalities on the computational thinking in young children: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis

IF 5.1 2区教育学 Q1 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Pub Date : 2024-07-04 DOI:10.1111/jcal.13038

Yonggang Wei, Lu Wang, Yi Tang, Junyue Su, Yaxian Lei, Wanran Peng

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Abstract

Background

The pedagogy of computational thinking has gained extensive traction across numerous nations globally, with a particular emphasis on nurturing computational thinking in the formative years of early childhood. Nevertheless, the efficacy of diverse instructional approaches in the domain of programming education, with regards to fostering the advancement of computational thinking abilities in young children, remains a subject of ongoing debate.

Objectives

The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of programming education in fostering computational thinking skills in young children. The central focus revolves around a meticulous exploration of the influence exerted by diverse modalities of programming education on the cultivation of computational thinking abilities in early learners.

Methods

A total of 32 empirical studies were incorporated into the analysis. Out of these, 77 effect sizes were deemed to meet the predefined inclusion criteria for the present study. The statistical analysis was executed utilizing Stata version 17.0 software.

Results and Conclusions

The acquisition of programming skills can enhance the advancement of computational thinking in young children (Hedges's g = 0.49, 95% confidence interval [0.40, 0.58]), thereby yielding a moderate effect. When considering the triad of programming education modalities, it becomes evident that graphical programming surpasses both tangible programming and unplugged programming in terms of its efficacy in fostering the growth of computational thinking in young learners.

Implications

The foregoing contributes significantly to the systematic cultivation and augmentation of computational thinking skills in young children. It establishes a foundational framework for early childhood educators and instructional tool designers to effectively and purposefully impart programming knowledge to children.

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编程教育模式对幼儿计算思维的影响：全面回顾与荟萃分析

背景计算思维教学法已在全球许多国家得到广泛推广，尤其强调在幼儿成长阶段培养计算思维。本研究的主要目的是评估编程教育在培养幼儿计算思维能力方面的功效。本研究的核心重点是细致探索编程教育的不同模式对早期学习者计算思维能力培养的影响。方法本研究共纳入 32 项实证研究进行分析。本研究共纳入 32 项实证研究，其中 77 项研究的效应大小符合预定的纳入标准。结果与结论编程技能的获得可促进幼儿计算思维能力的提高（Hedges's g = 0.49，95% 置信区间 [0.40，0.58]），因此产生了中等程度的效应。考虑到编程教育模式的三重性，图形编程在促进幼儿计算思维成长方面的功效显然超过了有形编程和不插电编程。意义上述内容对系统培养和提高幼儿的计算思维能力大有裨益。它为幼儿教育工作者和教学工具设计者有效、有目的地向儿童传授编程知识建立了一个基础框架。

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来源期刊

Journal of Computer Assisted Learning EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-

CiteScore

9.70

自引率

6.00%

发文量

116

期刊介绍： The Journal of Computer Assisted Learning is an international peer-reviewed journal which covers the whole range of uses of information and communication technology to support learning and knowledge exchange. It aims to provide a medium for communication among researchers as well as a channel linking researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. JCAL is also a rich source of material for master and PhD students in areas such as educational psychology, the learning sciences, instructional technology, instructional design, collaborative learning, intelligent learning systems, learning analytics, open, distance and networked learning, and educational evaluation and assessment. This is the case for formal (e.g., schools), non-formal (e.g., workplace learning) and informal learning (e.g., museums and libraries) situations and environments. Volumes often include one Special Issue which these provides readers with a broad and in-depth perspective on a specific topic. First published in 1985, JCAL continues to have the aim of making the outcomes of contemporary research and experience accessible. During this period there have been major technological advances offering new opportunities and approaches in the use of a wide range of technologies to support learning and knowledge transfer more generally. There is currently much emphasis on the use of network functionality and the challenges its appropriate uses pose to teachers/tutors working with students locally and at a distance. JCAL welcomes: -Empirical reports, single studies or programmatic series of studies on the use of computers and information technologies in learning and assessment -Critical and original meta-reviews of literature on the use of computers for learning -Empirical studies on the design and development of innovative technology-based systems for learning -Conceptual articles on issues relating to the Aims and Scope