TMC8 Clements

Improving Student Engagement with Coding and Robotics: An Elementary School Case Study

by Sharon Clements

Sharon Clements explores the sub theme of Accountability (How might we design for engagement?) centering on the integration of coding and robotics in elementary education to enhance student engagement and develop 21st-century skills. Through action research her case study involving Grade 5 students, highlights the positive impact of coding and robotics activities on student focus, cooperation, and problem-solving abilities, while also addressing the challenges of resource availability and teacher training. The findings suggest that coding and robotics can significantly increase student engagement and reduce behavioral issues, preparing students for future high-tech careers.

Sharon Clements is a teacher-librarian with the Thames Valley District School Board. This is her sixth year working in the Library Learning Commons at Mary Wright Public School in Strathroy, Ontario. She spent the first 13 years of her teaching career as a classroom teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys updating her tech skills, and learning how to incorporate STEAM into daily programming. Sharon’s aspirations to become a librarian began when the London Public Library’s Bookmobile used to visit her elementary school once a week. When students ask if she always wanted to be a Librarian, she’s not lying when she says “yes”!!

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