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Abstract. We investigated preservice teachers’ (PSTs) (N=13) experiences in a science teaching inquiry group professional learning experience on integrating computational thinking (CT) into elementary science. A subgroup of PSTs (n=6) participated alongside their mentor teachers. The others (n=7) participated independently. Our research question was: To what extent, if any, did participating in a professional learning experience on CT along with their mentor teachers appear to enhance PSTs’ learning and practice related to CT integration? We analyzed evaluation feedback, interviews, participant-developed lesson plans, surveys, and attendance data. Findings suggested that participants in both groups reacted positively to the learning experience’s content and approach, and expressed similar perceptions of their CT integration knowledge. PSTs participating with their mentor teachers felt slightly more successful in their CT integration efforts, and perceived CT integration as more feasible in their teaching contexts. However, differences between the groups were minimal. We also noted possible of influence of PSTs’ perceptions of the districts in which they were teaching. Our findings underscore the importance of PSTs’ perceptions of their teaching contexts when bringing a new innovation to the classroom - namely, perceptions of their mentors and curricula as supportive of the innovation. Through this ongoing work, we seek to identify empirically-supported strategies for preparing PSTs to integrate CT into their future classrooms.
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This content will become publicly available on June 13, 2026
Integrating CT in Science Methods: Advancing Practice and Pedagogy
Despite the importance of computational thinking (CT) as a problem-solving process (Wing, 2008) and the growing spread in teacher education (Yadav et al., 2017), existing initiatives for preservice teachers (PSTs) tend to focus on the computer science domain without making explicit connections to disciplinary classroom settings and promoting critical perspectives. As a cohesive unit, this learning representation aims to assist PSTs in integrating CT into their work as they design and implement science-focused lessons.Centered around a contextual issue: accessing, growing, and sustaining food, this learning representation employs 2D and 3D block-based programming languages coupled with unplugged activities that demonstrate CT practices, processes, and concepts. PSTs’ group designs, lesson modifications, and full lesson plans provide opportunities for assessment.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2451843
- PAR ID:
- 10611921
- Publisher / Repository:
- Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Technology-Integrated Lessons and Teaching
- Volume:
- 4
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2836-2578
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 20 to 33
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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