What is computational thinking?
Quick answer
Computational thinking is a problem-solving approach built on four moves: break a problem down, spot the patterns, ignore what does not matter, and write a repeatable procedure.
Primary students practise decomposition and algorithm design unplugged before they ever open an editor.
In context
It is not coding. A student can think computationally with paper, and a student can write code without it.
Because the four moves are subject-neutral, they transfer straight into science practicals, essay planning and mathematics.
In a NASCA classroom
Primary students practise decomposition and algorithm design unplugged before they ever open an editor.
Related terms
Coding
Coding is writing instructions a computer can execute, typically starting with block-based tools in primary school and moving to text languages such as Python by middle school.
STEAM education
STEAM education teaches science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics as one connected practice, usually through projects where students design, build and test something real.
Design thinking
Design thinking is a structured way to solve problems for real people: understand them, define the problem sharply, generate options, build a rough prototype and test it with users.