On the predictors of computational thinking and its growth at the high-school level

Computational thinking (CT) is a key 21st-century skill. This paper contributes to CT research by investigating predictors among upper secondary students in longitudinal and natural classroom setting. The hypothesized are grouped into three areas: student characteristics, home environment, learning opportunities. measured with the Thinking Test (CTt), an established performance test. N = 202 high-school students, at time points over one school year, act as sample latent growth curve modeling analysis method. self-concept, followed reasoning skills gender, show strongest association level of CT. Computer literacy, duration computer use formal opportunities during have growth. Variables from all areas seem be important for predicting either or An explained variance 70.4% 61.2% might indicate good trade-off between comprehensiveness parsimony conceptual framework. findings contribute better understanding construct implications instruction, e.g., role science motivation learning.