CT Level 1 tutor and participants
Computational thinking is a way of thinking using tools to solve problems. There were a few concepts introduced in this CT course which were decompose, pattern recognition, abstractions, algorithm, and evaluation. I couldn't image how computation thinking skills can be integrated in lesson however, the tutor had given us some inputs through activities such as group discussions.
The importance of CT skills integrating in lessons is to train pupils to think. Therefore hands-on activity are necessary. A well-planned project-based learning is a form of CT activity. Students should be able to decompose the requirement of the task and completed it through brainstorming and applying some of the CT skills implicitly. In the era which public examinations is no longer emphasised in primary schools, the education is shifting to a brighter future. Teacher's role as a facilitator is more important while chalk and talk is no longer fit the education trend. Pupils learn through deriving content knowledge from that what they have been doing. That's the current trend!
After the four-day level 1 course, I found out the importance of project-based learning. Project-based learning with guidance will help the pupils to cultivate CT skills in their daily lives. Even how to make a cup of coffee or hot chocolate is also a type of CT skills involving abstractions and algorithm. After having project-based learning, this is where the teaching takes part. Teachers should be able to guide the pupils to think of the causes and effects of the subject matter. You can even let the pupils to share what they have gained from the project! That's also one kind of CT skill.
To conclude, I believe project-based learning is one of the easiest approach to enable pupils to attain CT skills implicitly. This course is a fruitful course and I wish to continue the second and third levels.
