How a Rubric Score Application Empowers Teachers’ Attitudes over Computational Thinking Leverage

Abstract

Computational Thinking (CT) has emerged as an umbrella term that refers to a broad set of problem-solving skills. New generations must conquer these skills in order to thrive in a computer-based world. Teachers, as agents of change, must also be familiar, trained and well-prepared in order to train children in CT. This paper examines STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and non-STEM teachers’ attitudes and readiness to adopt and utilize Computational Thinking concepts in the curriculum. The research was conducted through a descriptive assessment of students using thematically related criteria (rubrics) and a criterion on Computational Thinking usage and utilization. Fifteen teachers (n = 15) were invited to a focus group discussion in which they were asked to complete a questionnaire and, subsequently, to openly analyze their answers. The results show that the majority of teachers used computational thinking as an assessment criterion and stated that they did not face any significant problems with it. At the end of the focus group questions, they concluded that they consider participation in a training program regarding the concept and principles of computational thinking and the way they could integrate into the educational process necessary. Teachers expressed their confidence in using a set of criteria (rubric) to make students’ assessments more effective and stated that they can easily use at least one criterion for Computational Thinking.

Keywords

• computational thinking
• descriptive assessment
• rubric
• application
• student’s performance
• student’s competences