STEM outreach: Assessing computational thinking and problem solving

Abstract

The ever-growing popularity of computer science has fostered the need for computational thinking (CT), especially in K-12 education. Pedagogy that infuses CT, as well as reliable methods for assessing CT, remain open problems. In this paper, we describe a 5th-9th grade STEM outreach program. Classes on micro controllers and computer programming are presented. Data collected through a newly designed self-efficacy instrument is used to determine effectiveness of these curricula at improving confidence in CT and problem solving skills.