WHAT IS COMPUTATIONAL THINKING?
Computational thinking (CT) involves a set of processes used to break down and solve complex problems efficiently. CT is traditionally applied to computer science but it can be utilized in any subject at any level, with or without a computer.
There are four components that make up CT: Abstraction, Algorithms, Decomposition, and Pattern Recognition.
Abstraction
involves identifying and focusing on only the most important pieces of information in a given problem. This can help students avoid getting distracted by extraneous information and allow them to draw conclusions and connections based on key details.
Introduction Slides:
Abstraction in the classroom:
- English Language Arts: Identifying themes in stories
- Math: Identifying key information in word problems;
- Science: Creating or interpreting models of scientific processes
- Social Studies: Drafting a map that shows only specific information like mountain ranges or trade routes
Abstraction © 2023 by SOCS for All is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Algorithms
are step-by-step procedures created by students to achieve a result. When following an algorithm, students may also go through a “debugging” process in order to find and fix flaws in the algorithm.
Introduction Slides:
Algorithms in the classroom:
- English Language Arts: Instructions on how to write an essay
- Math: Steps to solve a complex math problem
- Science: Procedures for a scientific experiment
- Social Studies: Steps required to use resources to research a historical topic
Algorithms © 2023 by SOCS for All is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Decomposition
is the process of breaking down a problem into smaller, more manageable parts.
Introduction Slides:
Decomposition in the classroom:
- English Language Arts: Instructions on how to write an essay
- Math: Analyzing a word problem to find which parts need to be solved
- Science:
- Social Studies:
Decomposition © 2023 by SOCS for All is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0Pattern Recognition
involves discovering patterns and expanding on them in order to solve related problems.
Introduction Slides:
Pattern Recognition in the classroom:
- English Language Arts: Finding and using rhyming patterns in poems
- Math: Using equations to solve math problems of increasing complexity
- Science:
- Social Studies:
Pattern Recognition © 2023 by SOCS for All is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0