Ortaöğretim Öğrencilerinin Algoritmik Düşünme Araçlarından Akış Şemalarıyla Problem Çözme Aşamalarına Yönelik Algıları

Abstract

Algorithms and algorithmic thinking processes are very important in the application of 21st century skills in problem solving, reasoning and analytical thinking. Thus, in order to examine the effect of algorithmic thinking processes on problem solving skills, it is aimed to determine the difficulties that individuals experience while solving problems, the stages they use while solving, the strategies and methods, their problem solving competencies, and the memorability of the solved problems. The case study approach, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The study group of the research consists of ten 12th grade students studying in a Special Education Course in Çorlu district of Tekirdağ in the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. The data of the study were collected through the general achievement test prepared by the researcher, the algorithmic thinking test created with flow charts, and the semi-structured interview form. The students were evaluated on four criteria and divided into two groups in a homogeneous way. In the study process, two applications were made, and in the first application, the first group solved the general success test and the second group solved the algorithmic thinking test. In the second application, the groups were crossed and the first group solved the algorithmic thinking and the second group solved the general achievement test. At the end of the applications, interviews were made with the semi-structured interview form and the other two tests were evaluated through the questions in this form. In each application, audio recordings were taken from the students. Content analysis was made with the MAXQDA program from the audio recordings obtained. As a result, it has been determined that algorithmic thinking processes in secondary school students have positive effects on staging problems, finding appropriate strategies and methods, maintaining memorability and gaining solving proficiency. Thus, it can be said that algorithmic thinking processes positively affect problem solving skills in making logical inferences on the problem encountered, sequential and systematic thinking, establishing a solution method and strategy, questioning and critical thinking on the problem, associating the given with the results.