Scaffolding computational thinking: Pre-service teachers learning through Scratch programming

Orit Broza (), Liat Biberman-Shalev () and Nurit Chamo ()

Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 2025, vol. 9, issue 5, 1639-1652

Abstract: This study explores how a technology-rich learning environment, integrating various scaffolding strategies, supports pre-service teachers' (PSTs) development in computational learning using Scratch. A design-based research methodology was applied with 25 second-year PSTs from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. A qualitative research paradigm was used for analysis. The learning environment was intentionally designed to promote autonomy and a sense of responsibility among PSTs through engagement in computational tasks and access to both social and material scaffolds. Social scaffolds included interactions with external individuals, communication with the course lecturer, peer support via a WhatsApp group, and general collegial exchange. Material scaffolds comprised a digital Scratch workbook, recorded class sessions, and system-generated feedback. Findings indicate that these scaffolds significantly contributed to PSTs’ agency and supported the development of independent learner identities. The study concludes that a diverse and flexible digital learning environment, offering multiple modes of support, enhances learners’ ownership of their learning process and autonomy. These insights suggest that incorporating both social and material scaffolding in teacher education programs can effectively foster computational thinking and promote self-directed learning, offering practical guidance for educators designing digitally mediated learning experiences.

Keywords: Design-based research, Pre-service teachers, Scaffoldings; Scratch, Teacher education. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://learning-gate.com/index.php/2576-8484/article/view/7239/2515 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ajp:edwast:v:9:y:2025:i:5:p:1639-1652:id:7239

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology from Learning Gate
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Melissa Fernandes ().