Applying Gestalt approach as a method for teaching computer science practice in the classroom: A case study in primary schools in Brazil

Abstract

The use of information technology in the academic environment has grown. Building different didactic techniques to help students learn and practice with Information Technology (IT) resources is common. However, applying these techniques does not necessarily mean that students may acquire knowledge. The differential idea of this work is to create an approach in which students are protagonists and not just absorbers of IT. Based on this perspective, we applied a Gestalt approach to assist students in practicing these technological resources. They produce new hardware and software tools during classes based on their personal needs and worldviews. We analyzed applications of this novel way of computer science teaching in three different schools. It was possible to observe greater motivation from the students to experience new knowledge from technological resources. The common aspect was that solutions were conceived and developed from students’ needs. The development followed a Gestalt approach, which combines the idea of form and imagination. Thus, with this approach, reactivity towards IT was reduced. It helped construct technological tools to acquire propaedeutic knowledge.