Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Research in Education, Teaching and Learning
Year: 2025
DOI:
[PDF]
Advancing STEAM Education: Integrating Design and Computational Thinking for Enhanced Learning Outcomes
Fang Wang
ABSTRACT:
In an era defined by rapid technological change and complex global challenges, education must evolve to equip students with critical competencies for the future. This research explores the integration of Design Thinking (DT) and Computational Thinking (CT) within STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, focusing on enhancing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in secondary schools in East China.
By combining CT’s logical and structured methodologies with DT’s human-centered and innovative approaches, the study addresses key challenges in educational practice, such as outdated curricula, insufficient teacher training, and limited tools for assessing interdisciplinary learning. A mixed-methods approach is employed to gather data through classroom observations, artifact evaluations, and interviews, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these methodologies influence student development.
The findings offer practical frameworks for integrating DT and CT into classroom settings, empowering students to develop balanced technical and creative skill sets essential for solving
real-world problems. This study provides actionable insights for educators and policymakers, particularly in regions with diverse cultural and systemic contexts, demonstrating how interdisciplinary strategies can drive innovation in teaching and learning.
keywords: Design Thinking (DT), Computational Thinking (CT), STEAM Education, Interdisciplinary Teaching, Educational Innovation