Development of a computational thinking assessment tool for lower secondary students in Malaysia

Abstract

The rise of computational thinking (CT) inclusion in education systems across the world has prompted the needs to effectively measure the computational skills for various educational level, i.e. from early childhood, elementary, secondary (K-12 education) up to adult learners. In this paper, the essence of a research proposal is presented, which focuses on developing and designing an instrument suitable for Malaysian adolescent (i.e. secondary school level students) context. The paper aimed at outlining the research objectives, and limitations and the suggested research design. Delphi technique and interview will be deployed during the first phase of the study to obtain consensus from experts identified in the field, followed by the development of the instrument. Next, the instrument will be validated, and later tested with a group of students taking Basics of Computer Science subjects in schools. The research has implication for many stakeholders, mainly for educators involved in teaching the subject in school setting. The development of this instrument would benefit in assessing appropriate CT skills and practice, in the context of Malaysian education. Among the overarching contribution includes advocating CT as another critical 21st century skillset and enhancing individual competency in problem solving.