Digital competences of teachers for developing pupils' algorithmic thinking

Gordana Stoković

Faculty of Education, University of Belgrade

gordana.stokovic@uf.bg.ac.rs

Education for digital transformation

Abstract

Developing children’s algorithmic thinking is closely related to the principles of constructivism and it should start at preschool and early school age. In Serbia, the subject Digital World was introduced in the 2020/2021 school year as a compulsory subject in the first cycle of primary education. This subject aims to develop pupils' digital competencies in order to train them for the safe and proper use of digital devices, communication, cooperation, and the development of algorithmic thinking. Primary school classroom teachers are responsible for teaching the subject Digital World within the first cycle of primary education. The aim of this paper is to detect the readiness of the educational system to support classroom teachers in the implementation of Digital World teaching. Using the 4C method, a syllabus analysis of the initial education courses at Teacher Education Faculties in Serbia, as well as professional training and development programs for educators was carried out. Our findings indicate that, within the initial education of future classroom teachers, their digital competencies are being developed through different teaching subjects and at different levels of student knowledge. However, it has been detected that insufficient attention is paid to the development of students’ algorithmic thinking. Additionally, the number of professional development programs specifically focused on this topic is insufficient. Therefore, we conclude that it is necessary to introduce dedicated teaching subjects at Teacher Education faculties to equip teachers with the necessary skills for implementing the subject Digital World, with a special emphasis on the development of algorithmic thinking. Furthermore, it is necessary to introduce a larger number of quality seminars for permanent professional development.

Key words

 initial teacher education, professional development of teachers, subject Digital World