Teaching Computer Science

Share / assign

Why it works

Computer science education, guided by standards (such as CSTA's), aims to develop computational thinking, problem-solving, programming, and understanding of computing's role in society, as a literacy for all students, not a niche for the few. Research and frameworks emphasize teaching CS through creating and problem-solving (not just syntax), making it accessible and inclusive (broadening participation), and connecting it to real applications. You do not need to be an expert programmer to teach foundational CS.

The research: CSTA standards; Code.org; research on CS education.

The run-of-show

Choose your slot. The agenda, timings, and length update to match.

The core activity: teach CS as thinking and creating

Teachers leave with a CS lesson focused on thinking, creating, and inclusion.

Pick a CS topic or lesson.
Focus on computational thinking, problem-solving, and creating, not just syntax.
Use accessible tools and make it inclusive (broaden participation).
Connect it to real applications and understanding of computing in society.

Thinking and creating, for all studentsComputer science is a literacy for everyone. Teach computational thinking, problem-solving, and creating, make it inclusive, not just coding for the few.

Facilitator notes

Teach thinking and creating, not just syntax.
Use accessible tools, and broaden participation.
Connect to real applications.

Syntax-only, exclusive CS fails most studentsTeaching only coding syntax, to only the already-interested, narrows CS. Teach computational thinking and creating, and broaden participation for all.

Adapt it

Elementary: block coding, unplugged, computational thinking.
Secondary: programming, projects, CS concepts, inclusion.
All settings: thinking, creating, inclusive.

Participant handout

One page for every teacher. Print it, or save it as a PDF.

K12 Academics · Professional Learning

Teaching CS: thinking and creating, for all

A literacy for everyone: computational thinking, problem-solving, creating, and broadened participation.

The CS topic or lesson:
How I focus on thinking, problem-solving, and creating:
The accessible tools I use:
How I make it inclusive and broaden participation:
The real application it connects to:

Make it stick

Thinking and creating, inclusive:

Teach thinking and creating.
Broaden participation.
Bring an inclusive CS lesson to the next PLC.

Common questions

Isn't computer science just coding?

Coding is part of it, but CS also develops computational thinking, problem-solving, creating with technology, and understanding computing's role in the world. Teach the thinking and creating, not just syntax.

I'm not a programmer. Can I teach CS?

Foundational CS, yes, with accessible tools and curricula (block coding, guided lessons) and a willingness to learn alongside students. You need not be an expert.

How do I make CS inclusive?

Broaden participation deliberately: make it accessible and relevant, counter stereotypes about who does CS, and design so every student can create and problem-solve, not just those who already code.