It’s a common misconception that computer science (CS) is only applicable to people working in a technology or STEM careers. However, skills learnt through CS are used in our everyday lives, and in a variety of subjects.

One of these skills is known as computational thinking (CT). 

What is computational thinking?

There are many problem-solving skills involved in computer science, including those needed to design, develop, and debug software. Computational thinking is a way of describing these skills.

Computational thinking refers to the thought processes involved in defining a problem and its solution so that the solution can be expertly carried out by a computer. We don't need computers to engage in computational thinking, but CT can leverage the power of computers to solve a problem.

Computational thinking helps build these skills:

• Decomposition – the process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts that are more manageable, and helps us see problems as less overwhelming.
• Abstraction – identifying common features, recognizing patterns, and filtering out what we don’t need. 
• Algorithmic Thinking – designing a set of steps to accomplish a specific task. 
• Debugging and Evaluation – testing and refining a potential solution, and ensuring it’s the best fit for the problem.

These skills relate to critical thinking and problem solving skills across different subject matter, highlighting how concepts of computing can be combined with other fields of study to assist in problem-solving.

Computational thinking is a way of describing the many problem solving skills involved in computer science, including those needed to design, develop, and debug software. However, computer science is more than just skills, it also includes concepts about the Internet, networking, data, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and interfaces. Computational thinking can be relevant beyond computer science, overlapping with skills also used in other STEM subjects, as well as the arts, social sciences, and humanities.

Why is computational thinking important? 

Computational thinking can apply these problem-solving techniques to a variety of subjects. For example, CT is established as one of the Science and Engineering Practices in the Next Generation Science Standards, and can also be found in several math state standards. Computational thinking also overlaps with skills used in other STEM subjects, as well as the arts, social sciences, and humanities. Computational thinking encourages us to use the power of computing beyond the screen and keyboard. 

It can also allow us to advance equity in computer science education...

By centering the problem-solving skills that are at the heart of computer science, we can promote its integration with other subject areas, and expose more students to the possibilities of computer science. 

Not only that, but computational thinking also opens the door for us to examine the limitations and opportunities of technology as it’s being developed. We’re able to analyze who is creating technology and why, as well as think critically about the ways in which it can impact society. 

Want to learn more about computational thinking?

To learn more about computational thinking, check out the resources:

• K-12 CS Framework’s Core Practices (2016):  
  • This framework for CS for K-12 places CT at the core of its practices and is what the California standards are based on. 

• Computing at School (Csizmadia et al., 2015):  
  • Part of the British Computing Society, Computing at School put forth resources to assist teachers in the UK in embedding  CT in their classrooms. 

• Operational Definition of Computational Thinking (ISTE & CSTA, 2011): 
  • This is one of the earliest definitions of CT for educators, and noteworthy for its inclusion of certain dispositions as being essential for effective CT.  

• New frameworks for studying and assessing the development of computational thinking (Brennan  & Resnick, 2012) (pdf):  
  • The developers of Scratch divide CT into concepts, practices, and perspectives, and focus on the expressive and creative nature of computing. 

• Computational Thinking Competencies (ISTE, 2018): 
  • Instead of focusing solely on standards for students, ISTE  compiled a set of knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed for educators to be successful in integrating  CT across the K-12 content areas and grade bands.  

• Bebras:  
  • Bebras began as an international competition to promote CT for students, regardless of programming experience. It is now increasingly being used as a form of CT assessment.