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Impact of Integrating Computational Thinking in STEM Education on Students' Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills: A Meta-Analysis

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Title: Impact of Integrating Computational Thinking in STEM Education on Students' Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills: A Meta-Analysis
Language: English
Authors: Hanzhu Yang, Linlin Hu (ORCID 0000-0001-7833-6522), Hao Wang, Yunfei Xin
Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. 2025 41(4).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Integrated Activities, Computation, Thinking Skills, STEM Education, Meta Analysis, Skill Development, Intervention, Teaching Methods, Programming, Shared Resources and Services, Learning Activities
DOI: 10.1111/jcal.70079
ISSN: 0266-4909
1365-2729
Abstract: Background: Computational thinking (CT) is a cognitive approach intricately linked with core competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Numerous studies have explored strategies to effectively integrate CT into STEM education and systematically evaluated the multidimensional impact on student learning outcomes. Objectives and Methods: This meta-analysis synthesises findings from 46 high-quality empirical studies to verify the effectiveness of integrating CT into STEM on the development of students' cognitive and non-cognitive skills and to analyse the moderating effects of various potential factors on skill acquisition. Results and Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the integration of CT in STEM education has a significant effect on enhancing students' cognitive skills (Hedges's g = 0.651, 95% CI [0.527, 0.776], p < 0.001), with this effect significantly moderated by the intervention duration and the instructional tools. Additionally, the implementation of CT in STEM positively impacts the development of students' non-cognitive skills (Hedges's g = 0.538, 95% CI [0.345, 0.730], p < 0.001), with educational level, sample size, intervention duration, and instructional tools identified as important moderator variables influencing the acquisition of non-cognitive skills. Based on the findings, this study recommends systematic CT interventions lasting 3 months to 1 year, utilising interactive and practice-oriented instructional tools such as block-based programming, maker, and unplugged activities. Furthermore, it suggests tailoring instructional strategies to different educational stages. These recommendations deepen the understanding of the role of CT in STEM education, providing practical guidance for educators and policymakers.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1478311
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley &amp; Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
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  Data: 10.1111/jcal.70079
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  Data: Background: Computational thinking (CT) is a cognitive approach intricately linked with core competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Numerous studies have explored strategies to effectively integrate CT into STEM education and systematically evaluated the multidimensional impact on student learning outcomes. Objectives and Methods: This meta-analysis synthesises findings from 46 high-quality empirical studies to verify the effectiveness of integrating CT into STEM on the development of students&#39; cognitive and non-cognitive skills and to analyse the moderating effects of various potential factors on skill acquisition. Results and Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the integration of CT in STEM education has a significant effect on enhancing students&#39; cognitive skills (Hedges&#39;s g = 0.651, 95% CI [0.527, 0.776], p &lt; 0.001), with this effect significantly moderated by the intervention duration and the instructional tools. Additionally, the implementation of CT in STEM positively impacts the development of students&#39; non-cognitive skills (Hedges&#39;s g = 0.538, 95% CI [0.345, 0.730], p &lt; 0.001), with educational level, sample size, intervention duration, and instructional tools identified as important moderator variables influencing the acquisition of non-cognitive skills. Based on the findings, this study recommends systematic CT interventions lasting 3 months to 1 year, utilising interactive and practice-oriented instructional tools such as block-based programming, maker, and unplugged activities. Furthermore, it suggests tailoring instructional strategies to different educational stages. These recommendations deepen the understanding of the role of CT in STEM education, providing practical guidance for educators and policymakers.
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        Value: 10.1111/jcal.70079
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      – SubjectFull: Computation
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      – SubjectFull: Thinking Skills
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      – TitleFull: Impact of Integrating Computational Thinking in STEM Education on Students' Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills: A Meta-Analysis
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