How can teachers engage students to learn problem-solving skills across the curriculum? One program has set out to teach computational thinking (CT) and coding skills in a problem-centered approach, fostering a student-driven learning design. In the process, students develop persistence and creativity while teachers connect their learning with professional standards aligned with ISTE micro-credentials.
Tony Lam, head of mathematics at Marymount Primary School in Hong Kong, recognized the mindset change required to create a student-centered coding experience. Instead of simply giving step-by-step instructions for students to develop computer programs in a teacher-centered approach, he encourages students to solve problems via active learning.
Lam, who began learning to code six years ago, developed his skills at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Master Trainer Program in Boston, an experience sponsored by his school and supported by CoolThink@JC. Now, he hosts professional development workshops and lesson demonstrations for other teachers in Hong Kong. Recently, EdSurge spoke with Lam about his experience as a teacher leader for CoolThink@JC InnoCommunity, a community supported by over 50 frontline and dedicated teachers, serving over 100 primary schools.
EdSurge: How would you describe the CoolThink curriculum adoption for your school?
Lam: Marymount, an all-girls school, was one of the first primary schools in Hong Kong to implement the CoolThink curriculum. Professors and lecturers from MIT and the Education University of Hong Kong (EDUHK) provided 78 hours of training to the first batch of teachers to explore and learn the CoolThink curriculum. EDUHK held regular workshops to update teachers on any developments and changes in the program.
The CoolThink curriculum offers a new element to the overall programs of our school and provides new opportunities for girls to become digital creators and makers by learning to code. CoolThink is a milestone in STEM education in Hong Kong, providing a comprehensive and proven framework for computational thinking and coding education. CoolThink’s mission of preparing students’ computational thinking skills—critical thinking, problem-solving and empowerment—are essential for digital competence in today’s AI-powered world where the ability to think critically and determine fact from fiction is extremely important. AI or ChatGPT won’t replace you any time soon, but someone using AI will.
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