How Kids Can Excel In Their Studies With Computational Thinking
As technologies continue to evolve with each passing day, encouraging kids to learn coding and teaching them to manipulate digital devices have become commonplace in schools these days. While coding is the application of learning, students must first know the concepts behind these tasks in order to execute them effectively.
Computational thinking is a problem-solving skill that is often associated with computers and coding. Essentially, computational thinking is a process that involves analysing a problem and finding the best possible solution by going through a four-step process: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstractions and algorithms. Enrolling your kids in coding classes helps in developing computational thinking skills. Here’s how adopting this skill can help them thrive academically:
Break down problems into smaller parts
Before students start tackling problems in coding classes, they are taught how to break complex problems into small, manageable parts. This process is called decomposition. Decomposition is the first step your child will take when applying computational thinking. This is a useful skill to possess as children are expected to take on more complex responsibilities as they grow older. Learning how to break huge tasks into smaller to-do list items will result in them being less likely to feel overwhelmed by a seemingly unattainable task.
When it comes to leadership roles, children who have the ability to decompose an issue with ease will most likely recognise all the right steps needed to come up with a feasible solution. This way, they are able to effectively assign suitable roles to their respective teammates. Apart from that, some soft skills your kids will eventually pick up from learning how to decompose include better time management and analytical skills.
Draw connections and similarities between problems
When kids learn coding, they are exposed to pattern recognition as well. During this process, they will learn to look out for patterns and make connections between different parts of the problem. Being able to recognise repetitive occurrences help in determining the most effective way to solve a particular problem. When they continuously encounter a certain problem, they will eventually get better at successfully solving them. Kids who are exposed to pattern recognition in coding classes will ultimately brush up on their information retention skills and improve their logical thinking skills as well.
Recognise relevant information
Also known as pattern generalisation, kids will learn to identify relevant information and ignore all unimportant details through a process called abstraction. Our programming classes for kids encourage them to see the bigger picture by teaching them to pick out important details crucial to solving the problem. The abstraction process encourages kids to give their fullest attention to a particular task, grooming them to be detail-oriented.
Develop steps to achieve the desired outcome
Last but not least, children will learn to come up with a step-by-step solution to the problem in the last cornerstone of computational thinking: algorithmic design. This is the process in which they’ll develop specific steps and rules that need to be observed in order to achieve the desired outcome. When they learn to master this skill as they learn coding, they’ll eventually be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner. Without accurate algorithms, there would be little to no progress and people will find themselves stuck solving the same problem over and over. Educating kids on algorithmic design teaches them to translate concepts into actionable steps, equipping them to be problem solvers in future.
Acquiring Computational Thinking Skills Through Coding Classes
It’s important to remember that computational thinking is a skill that anyone can master. Although some kids are able to grasp it more naturally than others, it’s still a skill that kids can acquire through coding classes nonetheless. As with any other skill, it can be obtained, improved upon and refined through consistent practice.
Roboto is a coding school in Singapore that aims to develop motivated and creative students by providing individualised courses that encourage self-directed learning. Reach out to us today to learn more about our weekly Genius Coder Program!