engleski

THE INTEGRATION OF ALGORITHMIC THINKING INTO PRESCHOOL EDUCATION

Algorithmic thinking involves the ability to think so that the problem to be solved is interpreted as a series of simple and small tasks that lead to a solution. An algorithm is a set of simple instructions that lead to the solution of a task. Instructions should be specified in a way that anyone can solve this problem. Algorithmic thinking skills are not just related to computer science and programming. These skills are used in all areas of activity, when solving problems. First of all, the problem must be understood, while it is necessary to assess how it can be solved, choose the best strategies, break the problem into smaller sub-problems and solve them step by step. In this way, algorithmic thinking can be used and taught in early and preschool education, every time children encounter a new problem or situation. The role of educators is to guide children to understand, assess and recognize the problem themselves and to help them in taking steps to solving the problem whether they are right or not. Children can easily learn about the concept of algorithms using examples from their everyday life. For example, at an early age, children may describe algorithms that include steps to dress or brush their teeth, while older children may use algorithmic steps to conduct an experiment. By learning algorithmic thinking skills, children can more easily interpret data and develop thinking strategies to understand and solve problems at a very early age. The ongoing Erasmus+ project “Algolittle- Algorithmic Thinking Skills through Play-Based Learning for Future’s Code Literates” involved 46 educators in the Workshop for the Integration of Algorithmic Thinking Skills into Preschool Education for stimulating algorithmic thinking of the children in their care in everyday situations. The participants were introduced to algorithmic thinking skills through play-based activities. Discussions followed about algorithms, algorithmic thinking skills and integration activities. After the workshop a qualitative analysis of the educators´ opinions about integration of algorithmic thinking skills into preschool practice was carried out.

algorithmic thinking, problem solving, preschool education

Časopis indeksira: Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) Book Citation Index - Social Sciences & Humanities (BKCI-SSH)