Effects of Coding and Robotics Activities on Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: A Meta Analysis Study


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Ulucan J., Yılmaz M. B.

Journal of Computer Education (JCE), vol.3, no.1, pp.64-87, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 3 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Journal Name: Journal of Computer Education (JCE)
  • Journal Indexes: EBSCO Education Source
  • Page Numbers: pp.64-87
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The importance of coding and robotics education in the field of computer sciences has recently been a widely discussed and studied topic in research dealing with educational issues. It is acknowledged that the development of these skills plays a significant role in children’s future careers. Therefore, the present study uses the metaanalysis method to examine the studies dealing with whether coding and robotics activities targeting pre-school, primary school, secondary school, and high school students have the potential to improve their computational thinking and problem-solving skills. To achieve this purpose, the study focuses on how coding and robotics activities implemented in experimental studies conducted with K–12 students between 2011 and 2021 affect the computational thinking and problem-solving skills of students. The meta-analysis includes data from 55 studies, consisting of 64 independent effect sizes. The participant pool for this analysis consists of 5158 individuals from different nations, with 3074 in experimental groups and 2084 in control groups. The study utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols checklist. We used the courses that implemented coding and robotics activities, as well as the age ranges of the participants, as moderator variables. The moderator analysis revealed that the effect of coding and robotics activities on computational thinking and problem-solving skills differs according to age group. In conclusion, the present study found that coding and robotics activities contributed to the development of K–12 level students’ computational thinking and problem-solving skills.