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• Removing the burden of syntax: developing computational thinking and algorithmic skills of STEM students

  29-49

  Ádám Gulácsi

  Maria Csernoch

  Views:

  0

  In higher education, solving programming exercises using a high-level programming language is a standard approach for developing computational thinking and algorithmic skills. However, this method has its limitations: learning the syntax of a high-level programming language puts an extra cognitive load on students, preventing them from focusing on problem-solving. Furthermore, computational thinking is not limited to programming: STEM students can benefit more from solving problems within their own discipline, in different environments. This practical article proposes a collection of unplugged, semi-unplugged and plugged-in alternatives that can be used to develop the computational thinking and algorithmic skills of students.

  Subject Classification: 97P99

• Teaching sorting in ICT

  101-117

  Péter Szlávi

  Gábor Törley

  Views:

  215

  This article is aimed at considering how an algorithmic problem – more precisely a sorting problem – can be used in an informatics class in primary and secondary education to make students mobilize the largest possible amount of their intellectual skills in the problem solving process. We will be outlining a method which essentially forces students to utilize their mathematical knowledge besides algorithmization in order to provide an efficient solution. What is more, they are expected to use efficiently a tool that has so far not been associated with creative thinking. Sorting is meant to be just an example, through which our thoughts can easily be demonstrated, but – of course the method of education outlined can be linked to several other algorithmic problems, as well.