The Effects of Algorithm Visualisation on Elementary School Students' Algorithm‐Learning Performance, Motivation, and Behaviour.

Background: Understanding algorithms is crucial for programming education, yet their abstract nature often challenges students. Algorithm visualisation (AV) has been proven effective in enhancing algorithmic thinking among university students. However, its efficacy for elementary school students and...

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Publicado en:Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. 1 - 16
Autores principales: Fu, Qian, Zhou, Xinyi, Zheng, Yafeng, Wang, Zhenyi
Formato: computer program pictorial research tables/charts randomized controlled trial Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Jun2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Jun2025
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
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        10.1111/jcal.70049
        185452190
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        atl: The Effects of Algorithm Visualisation on Elementary School Students' Algorithm‐Learning Performance, Motivation, and Behaviour.
      aug:
        au:
          Fu, Qian
          Zhou, Xinyi
          Zheng, Yafeng
          Wang, Zhenyi
        affil: School of Educational Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
      sug:
        subj:
          Students, Elementary
          Learning Methods
          Algorithms
          Videorecording
          Motion Pictures
          Academic Performance Evaluation
          Motivation Evaluation
          Child Behavior Evaluation
          Human
          China
          Funding Source
          Quasi-Experimental Studies
          Randomized Controlled Trials
          Random Assignment
          Child
          Questionnaires
          Competency Assessment
          Simple Random Sample
          Male
          Female
          Analysis of Covariance
          Descriptive Statistics
          Kruskal-Wallis Test
          Chi Square Test
          Post Hoc Analysis
          Confidence Intervals
          Child: 6-12 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Understanding algorithms is crucial for programming education, yet their abstract nature often challenges students. Algorithm visualisation (AV) has been proven effective in enhancing algorithmic thinking among university students. However, its efficacy for elementary school students and the optimal forms of AV tools remain unclear. Objectives: This study aims to assess learners' performance, motivation, and behaviour under three AV forms (i.e., algorithm animation, static visualisation, and no visualisation) from both scientific and behavioural perspectives. Methods: A quasiexperimental design was employed, involving 104 sixth‐grade students (aged 11–12) from a K–12 school in eastern China. A 9‐week algorithm‐teaching activity covering the optimal path, enumeration, and search algorithms was conducted in an in‐school extension class. Two experimental groups and one control group each used a different AV form. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and an algorithm competency test (ACT), whereas behavioural data were analysed from computer screen recordings and classroom video recordings. Results and Conclusions: Although no significant differences were found in overall learning performance, algorithm animation was particularly beneficial for high‐proficiency students. Algorithm animation and static visualisation significantly enhanced students' learning motivation compared with no visualisation. A behavioural analysis revealed that students using algorithm animation demonstrated greater autonomy and initiative, whereas those students who did not use visualisation preferred passive learning. This study on AV‐based algorithm teaching concludes that introducing AV effectively improves students' initiative and motivation, providing insights for integrating visualisations in instructor‐mediated classrooms.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        computer program
        pictorial
        research
        tables/charts
        randomized controlled trial
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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