National Research Programme (NRP77): Assessing computational thinking skills
Computational thinking (CT) is the ability to develop a problem-solving methodology that complements computers. This project studies the extent to which Swiss students are able to do so, and develops tools to measure these skills.
We develop tools to assess computational thinking (CT) skills in Swiss compulsory schools through a three-step process.
- Designing a competency model based on age and identifying typical problems for each age group.
- Developing an intelligent tutoring and assessment system to help students solve problems while measuring their CT skills.
- Testing the approach in educational robotics within compulsory education in the cantons of St. Gallen, Vaud, and Ticino, with a particular focus on the Swiss educational robot Thymio II, which is currently being introduced in schools in these cantons.
Evaluating the impact of educational initiatives
Computational thinking is recognized as a key component in several national and cantonal education strategies. Unfortunately, there are few instruments available to measure the impact of implemented measures.
The goal of this project is to provide policymakers and teachers with tools and protocols for large-scale assessment of these skills in compulsory education. Specifically, the project aims to define a competency model, develop an intelligent tutoring and assessment system, and test the developed tools in the cantons of St. Gallen, Vaud, and Ticino.
The results will help evaluate the developed competency model, particularly in terms of how it can be used in schools and how it is received by students, teachers, school administrations, and cantonal education authorities. It will also assess the effectiveness of different approaches to teaching computational thinking skills. This project provides a tool for evaluating the impact of educational initiatives focused on computational thinking.
