EdUHK Integrates Coding with Subject Knowledge to Enhance Learning Effectiveness
Supported by the Quality Education Fund, The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and the Hong Kong Catholic Education Office have launched three sets of teaching materials, integrating computational thinking (CT) into English Language, Mathematics, and General Studies curricula. It enables students to learn core subject knowledge while acquiring coding skills, benefitting over 1,670 students from 20 primary schools of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong.
At a seminar today (17 January), frontline teachers shared their experience and insights into using the new materials, attracting an attendance of more than 300 school principals, curriculum leaders and teachers. Among the attendees were Professor Kong Siu-cheung, Director of Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology and Professor of the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology at EdUHK; and Mr Julian Yip Kai-kwan, Assistant to the Episcopal Delegate for Education of the Hong Kong Catholic Education Office.
Under the two-year project (see note) which commenced in early 2020, three teaching resources featuring CT were developed after the University examined the pedagogical needs in each core subject. The selected curriculum components were “direction” in English language (Primary 4), “electricity and circuits” in General Studies (Primary 5) and “prime and composite numbers” in Mathematics (Primary 6).
In the Mathematics materials, for example, students were able to explore the factors in numbers through an online coding game called “Factor App” designed by the University. Compared to traditional pen-and-paper algorithms, the new game-based materials introduce the prime and composite numbers in an easy-to-understand manner, helping to deepen students’ understanding of this important mathematical concept and to strengthen their CT capacity and ability to adopt technologies in problem solving.
With over 20 primary schools of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong adopting the teaching materials, pre- and post-tests found that, compared to those who did not use the materials, students who adopted the new approach had higher scores in subject knowledge. They recorded a growth of 36.11% in General Studies, 28.68% in English Language, and 27.33% in Mathematics. Students also reported that these resources were effective in improving their subject knowledge and enhancing their interests in CT.
Speaking at the seminar, Professor Kong Siu-cheung pointed out that the University has been striving to promote coding education and innovative pedagogies over the years, supporting teachers for the 21st century education. He said, “Primary education is a critical period for developing students’ CT. Successful integration of coding and primary subjects, which greatly improves the learning effectiveness among students, lays a solid foundation for the project’s next stage. In the near future, we will develop ample resources for teachers that combine animation, coding and subject learning, aiming to further enhance students’ learning motivation and develop self-directed learning.”
Mr Julian Yip Kai-kwan thanked the University for offering the new teaching materials and teacher training, allowing more educators to practise innovative pedagogical methods. He added, “The pandemic has brought many challenges and opportunities to the education sector, and these new teaching materials address our ardent demand for high-quality online resources. It gives us great confidence in future cooperation with EdUHK and we hope all 55 primary schools in the Catholic Diocese will fully implement the new pedagogical approach in the long term, equipping the next generation with comprehensive knowledge in CT.”
Note: The full name of the project is “Use Coding as a Pedagogy for Teaching Subject Knowledge in Mathematics, General Studies and English Language and Fostering Computational Thinking”.
EdUHK Integrates Coding with Subject Knowledge to Enhance Learning Effectiveness
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