Authentic Thinking in an Artificial World: Computational Thinking for Coaches

Outline

Opening Hook & Introductions (8 minutes)
Content: Tangram puzzle activity - participants work in pairs to create a kangaroo shape from geometric pieces
Engagement: Hands-on problem-solving that immediately demonstrates all four CT processes without naming them
Process: Partner work, followed by quick introductions where participants share their name, role, and one word describing their puzzle experience
Computational Thinking Foundation (12 minutes)
Content:

Definition and origins (Papert to Wing)
The four core processes with clear definitions
Reveal how the tangram activity used each process

Engagement: Interactive debrief of the opening activity - "What just happened?" moment where participants recognize they were already doing computational thinking
Process: Large group discussion with visual mapping on slides, participants call out what they noticed during the puzzle
Real-World Relevance & Research (8 minutes)
Content:

Why CT matters for student success (Hattie's research on effect sizes)
Connection to 21st-century skills and AI literacy
Quick examples across subject areas

Engagement: Show concrete data and relatable examples
Process: Brief presentation with participant reflection - think-pair-share on "Where do you already see this in your schools?"
Curriculum Integration Deep Dive (15 minutes)
Content:

Detailed examples showing CT in English, Science, Math, and History lessons
Analysis of actual TEKS standards and performance assessments
Digital tools categorized by CT process

Engagement: Participants analyze real assessment examples to identify CT components
Process:

Table groups examine different subject assessments (3 minutes)
Partner discussions on grade-level complexity (4 minutes)
Gallery walk sharing insights (5 minutes)
Whole group discussion on tools and applications (3 minutes)

Coaching Application Scenarios (12 minutes)
Content: Four interactive scenarios where coaches identify missing CT processes and practice coaching responses
Engagement: Gamified approach using digital polling for scenario analysis
Process:

Individual response via devices to scenario questions
Immediate results sharing and discussion
Partner practice of coaching language for each scenario
Quick share-out of coaching strategies

Coaching Moves & Strategies (3 minutes)
Content: Practical coaching techniques specific to CT development

Probing questions
Think-alouds and modeling
Student work analysis
Micro-observations

Engagement: Quick reference guide they can take away
Process: Brief overview with examples, setting up the closing reflection
Closing Reflection & Action Planning (2 minutes)
Content: Three reflection questions focused on practical application
Engagement: Digital response tool for real-time sharing
Process: Individual reflection with option to share responses anonymously, creating a collective resource
Engagement Tactics Summary

Frequency: Interaction every 3-4 minutes maximum
Variety: Mix of individual reflection, partner work, small groups, large group discussion, and technology integration
Movement: Participants work at tables, do gallery walks, and engage in partner conversations
Technology: Digital polling, response tools, and access to the session resource link throughout
Takeaways: Clear framework, practical tools list, and coaching conversation starters

Outcomes

Identify which of the four computational thinking processes are missing or underdeveloped in observed classroom instruction and provide specific coaching feedback to strengthen these areas.
Apply targeted coaching moves to help teachers integrate computational thinking strategies that improve student problem-solving across all subject areas.
Design collaborative opportunities with teachers to embed computational thinking into existing curriculum and assessments in order to create actionable plans that enhance both teacher practice and student learning outcomes.

Supporting research

https://csteachers.org/computational-thinking-building-executive-function-skills-for-success/
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/computational-thinking-across-the-curriculum-eli-sheldon
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666557321000276
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3724363.3729038
https://nysci.org/pdf/NYSCI-Computational-Thinking-School-Strategy-Guide-04-09-2024.pdf