Impact of Computational Thinking in Achieving High Order Thinking Skills at Selected Schools in Sarawak

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) is a six-step approach that involves the processes of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithm, evaluation and logical reasoning that promotes greater levels of thinking and the development of soft skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. This approach was introduced by the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) in 2017 as a component for achieving Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in its efforts of improving the quality of education in the country. Between 2017 and 2019, the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT) of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) organized the Computational Thinking and Computer Sciences (CTCS) teaching course across Sarawak to prepare teachers for this transition in the MOE’s efforts of improving the quality of education on primary and secondary levels. From a population of 57 teachers, a select of 4 teachers involved in the course were interviewed to provide further insight into the effectiveness of CT in achieving HOTS.