Enhancing Sequence Coding Skills in Lower Primary School through Affordable Game-based Learning: A Case Study in Thailand
Vichamaporn Vathanakulkachorn, Sarun Pichitpreecha, Supawat Supakwong · 2023
This paper presents a case study conducted in Thailand, focusing on the use of affordable game-based learning to improve sequence coding skills in lower primary school students. With the increasing importance of computer science education worldwide, Thailand introduced computer science into its national curriculum in 2018, targeting students as early as grade 1. However, challenges such as the lack of qualified teachers, limited resources, and engaging learning materials still persist in some schools. To address these challenges, this research aimed to provide an affordable learning tool suitable for lower primary school students' programming education. The tool needed to balance the children's skills and motivation while minimizing costs. A programmable robot mouse was selected as the learning tool, allowing students to engage in group activities and develop teamwork skills. Additionally, a coding mat and themed activities were designed to create a fun and engaging learning environment. The research was conducted in collaboration with teachers from Anuban Ban Dek school in Ubon Ratchathani province, focusing on 64 students from grades 1 and 2. The study involved teacher evaluations, student self-evaluations, and pre-test/post-test assessments. The results indicated positive outcomes in terms of students' enjoyment, task accomplishment, and learning comprehension. Furthermore, the pre-test/post-test analysis revealed a significant improvement in students' coding knowledge, with an average score increase of 3.96 points out of 20, representing a 19.8% improvement.