Computational Thinking among High School Students (original) (raw)

Computational thinking is a set of 21 st-century skills that can be applied in problem-solving processes and daily activities. The significance of computational thinking skills in the 21 st century has opened educators' eyes and minds to apply these skills to teaching and learning processes. Therefore, a survey was conducted to identify the level of computational thinking skill among high school students and the difference in computational thinking in terms of students' gender and education level. Ultimately, 343 students from secondary schools around the Pasir Mas district in Malaysia were selected as respondents using the cluster sampling method. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics (i.e., mean score and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (i.e., t-test). The findings show that students' computational thinking skill is at a high level. In terms of gender comparison, female students' computational thinking skill is higher than that of male students. In addition, students' computational thinking skill by level of education is the same. Thus, teachers should emphasize computational thinking skills in teaching and learning processes, whether through computer-based or unplugged activities. Proactive measures are needed to improve students' level of computational thinking skills so that students equip themselves with the basic skills to face the challenges of the 21 st century.