Integrating Computational Thinking into Primary and Lower Secondary Education: A Systematic Review

Abstract

In recent years, many countries have introduced Computational Thinking (CT) concepts into compulsory education as part of general curriculum reform efforts. A systematic review of academic and grey literature has been conducted to analyse the state of the art in implementing CT in primary and secondary education. In total, 1977 publications were identified, out of which 98 met the inclusion criteria for the review. The results show that, despite a lack of consensus on a common definition, a core set of key CT skills is addressed in primary and lower secondary education. Implementation approaches that emerged from the analysis are discussed and presented according to the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (2016) classification: (i) embedding CT across the curriculum as a transversal theme/skill set; (ii) integrating CT as a separate subject; and (iii) incorporating CT skills within other subjects such as Mathematics and Technology. New approaches to formative assessment of CT are emerging, reflecting different conceptualisations and differences in contextual and motivational aspects of CT curriculum integration. However, further investigation is needed to understand better how gender/equity/inclusion issues impact the quality of computing education integration.

Keywords

• computational thinking
• computer science education
• compulsory education
• ct skills