Identifying the Components of Computational Thinking Involved in Learning Skills at the Primary School Level

The purpose of this study was to identify and explain the features, capabilities, and components of computational thinking as one of the basic learning skills at the primary school level. This qualitative study used meta-analysis to identify the components of computational thinking. For this purpose, Persion keywords such as “thinking”, “thinking skills”, “computational thinking in primary school”, and “computational thinking in students”, together with their equivalents in English, were searched in MagIran, Sid, Civilica, ScienceDirect, Scopus databases, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers from 1390 to 1399 and 2000 to 2021 in Persian and English sources, respectively. Data were collected using Sandelowski and Barroso’s seven-stage metasynthesis method. The sample was selected using acceptance and non-acceptance criteria and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. The credibility of the results was checked using the researcher’s self-monitoring, peer review, and expert survey. Initially, 1643 articles were extracted, of which 1533 were screened based on the title, 35 based on the abstract, and 51 based on the content. Finally, 24 articles were selected as the study sample and analyzed. Based on the findings, the components of computational thinking can be classified into nineteen general categories. The results, furthermore, highlighted the importance of the following three basic categories in cultivating computational thinking in schools, especially during childhood and the early years of primary schooling: cognitive skills, communication and information skills (technology), and skills related to science, engineering, and mathematics. There was a high level of overlap and a positive relationship between the identified components and categories of computation thinking. In sum, it can be stated that computational thinking is an emerging problem-solving skill that should be taught and learned through technology and computer science in early childhood and primary schools.