An Educational Coding Laboratory for Elementary Pre-service Teachers: A Qualitative Approach

Authors

  • Leticia Azucena Vaca Cárdenas Università della Calabria
  • Assunta Tavernise University of Calabria
  • Francesca Bertacchini University of Calabria
  • Lorella Gabriele University of Calabria
  • Antonella Valenti University of Calabria
  • Pietro Pantano University of Calabria
  • Eleonora Bilotta University of Calabria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v6i1.5364

Keywords:

Learning, learning-teaching methodologies, advanced technology-enhanced settings, design of educational setting, project-based learning, education, higher education, HCI, coding, Scratch, High Order Think Skills.

Abstract


The present study involved 64 pre-service teachers in a first experience of coding with the software Scratch, foreseeing its qualitative evaluation. In particular, the procedure in the laboratorial setting was designed as follows: firstly, subjects attended theoretical lessons on the use of the software, ideated and implemented an educational app. Afterwards, subjects wrote a report on the negative and positive aspects of their laboratorial experience. The analysis of results show that pre-service teachers appreciated the collaborative work, the freedom to code an app following their own interests, and the use of an engaging software. A constant concern regarding teachers’ self-efficacy as future mentors was present. Further quantitative studies are necessary.

Author Biographies

Leticia Azucena Vaca Cárdenas, Università della Calabria

Physics Department

Assunta Tavernise, University of Calabria

Physics Department

Francesca Bertacchini, University of Calabria

Department of Engineering Mechanics, Energy and Management

Lorella Gabriele, University of Calabria

Physics Department

Antonella Valenti, University of Calabria

Education Science Department

Pietro Pantano, University of Calabria

Physics Department

Eleonora Bilotta, University of Calabria

Physics Department

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Published

2016-02-22

How to Cite

Vaca Cárdenas, L. A., Tavernise, A., Bertacchini, F., Gabriele, L., Valenti, A., Pantano, P., & Bilotta, E. (2016). An Educational Coding Laboratory for Elementary Pre-service Teachers: A Qualitative Approach. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 6(1), pp. 11–17. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v6i1.5364

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2016)

Section

Papers

License

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