Problem Solving and Computational Thinking in a Learning Environment

TL;DR

This paper explores the relationship between computational and critical thinking, and demonstrates through classroom experiments that using computers enhances students' problem-solving abilities in real-world mathematical modeling tasks.

Contribution

It clarifies the relationship between computational and critical thinking and provides empirical evidence of computers improving problem-solving skills in educational settings.

Findings

Computers as tools improve students' problem-solving abilities.

The relationship between computational and critical thinking is clarified.

Classroom experiments support the effectiveness of computer-assisted problem solving.

Abstract

Computational thinking is a new problem soling method named for its extensive use of computer science techniques. It synthesizes critical thinking and existing knowledge and applies them in solving complex technological problems. The term was coined by J. Wing, but the relationship between computational and critical thinking, the two modes of thiking in solving problems, has not been yet learly established. This paper aims at shedding some light into this relationship. We also present two classroom experiments performed recently at the Graduate Technological Educational Institute of Patras in Greece. The results of these experiments give a strong indication that the use of computers as a tool for problem solving enchances the students' abilities in solving real world problems involving mathematical modelling. This is also crossed by earlier findings of other researchers for the problem solving process in general (not only for mathematical problems).