A Curriculum Development Study to Enhance Early Childhood Teacher Candidates' Competence in Teaching Algorithmic Thinking Skills
Problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and computational thinking are fundamental skills for the 21st century, among which algorithmic thinking emerges as an important competency. Algorithmic thinking can be defined as the ability to consider the steps required to achieve a goal in a precise, clear, detailed, and alternative way (Futschek, 2006; Kanaki & Kalogiannakis, 2022). It is also considered to be the ability to understand, execute, evaluate, and design computational processes (Lamagna, 2015). Research has shown that algorithmic thinking, considered a new form of literacy, can be introduced to children as young as 3 years old (Bers et al., 2019). This highlights the importance of training educators who are competent in teaching algorithmic thinking skills to children. In this context, and with the idea that the innovations and skills of this era need to be reflected in teacher education, the project "Algorithmic Thinking Skills Through Play-Based Learning for Future's Code Writers: ALGOLITTLE" was prepared. Supported by the Turkish National Agency in the framework of the Erasmus+ Key Action 2 Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education Programme, ALGOLITTLE has developed a curriculum for early childhood teacher candidates in faculties of education by the project team formed in partnership with Turkiye, Slovenia, Portugal, Croatia and Italy.