Using Grey-based Mathematical Equations of Decision-making as Teaching Scaffolds: from an Unplugged Computational Thinking Activity to Computer Programming

https://doi.org/10.21585/ijcses.v2i2.24

Authors

  • Meng-Leong How National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Singapore
  • Chee-Kit Looi National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Keywords:

grey-based mathematical equations, decision making, computational thinking, scaffolding for teaching, computer software programming, unplugged computational thinking activity

Abstract

Computational Thinking (CT) is pervasive in our daily lives and is useful for problem-solving. Decision-making is a crucial part of problem-solving. In the extant literature, problem-solving strategies in educational settings are often conveniently attributed to intuition; however, it is well documented that computer programmers might even have difficulty describing about their intuitive insights during problem-solving using natural language (such as English), and subsequently convert what has been described using words into software code. Hence, a more analytical approach using mathematical equations and descriptions of CT is offered in this paper as a potential form of rudimentary scaffolding, which might be useful to facilitators and learners of CT-related activities. In the present paper, the decision-making processes during an unplugged CT activity are delineated via Grey-based mathematical equations, which is useful for informing educators who may wish to explain to their learners about the various aspects of CT which are involved in the unplugged activity and simultaneously use these mathematical equations as scaffolds between the unplugged activity and computer code programming. This theoretical manuscript may serve as a base for learners, should the facilitator ask them to embark on a software programming activity that is closely associated to the unplugged CT activity.

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Author Biographies

Meng-Leong How, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Research Fellow

Learning Sciences Laboratory

Office of Educational Research

National Institute of Education,
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore

Chee-Kit Looi, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Professor

Head of Learning Sciences Laboratory

Office of Educational Research

National Institute of Education,
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore

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Published

2018-05-17

How to Cite

How, M.-L., & Looi, C.-K. (2018). Using Grey-based Mathematical Equations of Decision-making as Teaching Scaffolds: from an Unplugged Computational Thinking Activity to Computer Programming. International Journal of Computer Science Education in Schools, 2(2), 29–46. https://doi.org/10.21585/ijcses.v2i2.24