Computational Thinking Teacher Challenges Padlet by Melissa Negreiros

Example

2025-09-22 14:11:23 UTC

Decomposition helped me break down the problem because there are actually tons of mini problems that have to be addressed in order to fix the main problem at hand. So, with the problem of teachers spending too much time with grading, there are a ton of different factors that play into it such as time management, too many on paper assignments, not enough planning time for teachers during the day, etc. In recognizing all of the different problems at hand, it is easier to start attacking them and solving them because now you know what needs to be done.

Pattern recognition is important in problem solving because if it is a pattern among other teachers or educators, it becomes very important that we solve it. If people are struggling with something, as a group, it becomes easier to take action and make that change needed. When breaking down patterns, it becomes evident as to what is making things more challenging and then collectively, we can work together to make it easier.

Meredith Bryson

2025-09-28 17:01:47 UTC

Bre Corban, Challenge 3

bmcorban — 2026-02-24 01:39:14 UTC

I decided to look at Challenge 3, the transition between activities.

Decomposition helped me look at the situation in smaller chunks to see that "slow transitions" is not one issue. It's made of multiple smaller issues that may include unclear directions, misplacement of materials, and inconsistency of routines. Breaking down the issue into smaller parts helps us find what the issue was instead of placing the blame on students for misbehaving. Once the problem was chunked off, it became more manageable and actionable.

Algorithmic thinking is used in everyday classroom routines. This includes lining up, turning in assignments, solving math problems, and writing steps. All of these examples are used in a sequence, and there are steps that have to be followed in order. By mindfully creating clear, step by step transtion routines, we can use algorithmic thinking to better the efficiency and consistency of the classroom overall.

Anna Caputo

2026-02-24 21:25:52 UTC

How computational thinking helped break down the problem:
Using computational thinking made the issue feel less overwhelming because I could separate it into smaller parts instead of just saying “transitions are bad.”

Where do we see algorithmic thinking in everyday classroom activities?
We see it in routines like lining up, turning in work, or cleaning up materials. These are all step by step systems that function like algorithms.

Karlee Hughes- challenge 1

hugheskm2_1 — 2026-02-25 01:23:47 UTC

In this scenario, pattern recognition would be essential to solving the problem and helping your students best succeed. If you are able to determine if the same students struggle in multiple areas or if the class as a whole does not respond to specific learning styles, you can make adjustments from there. It students are lacking understanding in multiple areas then you can get them more 1on1 time and better cater to their needs.

As an educator it can easy to get overwhelmed with challenges and not know where to start. By using abstraction you can focus on smaller tasks to help keep you on track. Abstraction will also help you prioritize the most important things and work from there. This makes learning more efficient because it allows the educator and class to stay on task by focusing on the important things first.

holmescl2_1 — 2026-02-25 17:36:54 UTC

Decomposition helped me to look at the situation in smaller chunks which helped me in finding what causes teacher grading to take so long. After figuring out the cause, I was able to find solutions that will actually be helpful. If I were to have only looked at the bigger picture, I probably would not have been able to find such in depth solutions.

Pattern recognition is important in problem solving because when you can find reoccurring issues that may be causing a problem, it becomes much easier to find a solution. For example, teachers are aware that grading takes a long time but they might not be sure exactly why. When they start to pay attention to patterns such as certain assignments taking longer to grade than others, they can find solutions to those specific issues, which will help to fix the bigger issue.

Tessa Lerner Challenge 4

2026-02-25 20:44:03 UTC

Decomposition helped me realize that late work is not just caused by students being unmotivated or careless. When I broke the problem into smaller parts, I saw that there are many different reasons students procrastinate. Some students forget due dates, some feel overwhelmed by large projects, and others simply do not know how to manage their time yet. Seeing the problem in smaller pieces helped me understand that students need support with organization and planning skills. Instead of trying to fix the whole problem at once, I can focus on solving each smaller part, like providing reminders or breaking assignments into steps. This makes the problem feel more realistic and easier to solve in the classroom.

Algorithmic thinking happens in classrooms all the time, even when we do not call it that. Teachers give step by step directions for activities, routines, and transitions every day. For example, morning routines, turning in homework, or completing a writing assignment all follow a set of ordered steps. When students learn to follow a checklist or complete tasks in stages, they are using algorithmic thinking. By creating a step by step system for assignments, teachers can help students build strong habits and learn how to manage their time. This approach also helps students feel less stressed because they know exactly what to do and when to do it. Over time, students can use these skills in other subjects and even outside of school.

Jay Ward - Challenge 3

2026-02-26 05:44:14 UTC

Pattern recognition helped me understand the cause of this problem. Identifying that students take a long time and become disruptive during any transition, such as going to recess or leaving school, shows that they have a hard time regulating their attention without a structure or when they are confused about what the teacher's expectations for them are. When transitioning between class and recess, it can often take students a long time to line up quietly, or they may start roughhousing when putting away their materials because they're excited to play. In any of these cases, if a structure is implemented for them, they will have a better understanding of how they should act during these transitions.

Algorithmic thinking is very common in everyday classroom activities for the reason listed above. Most teachers have sayings like "1 2 3 eyes on me" or "quiet coyote" that they have prepared students to give a specific response to, immediately grabbing their attention. This type of thinking grounds students and helps them understand the teacher's expectations.

Justin Dowell- Challenge 2

dowellj3 — 2026-02-26 17:45:21 UTC

Working on challenge 2 I realized I never really thought about teachers grading assignments on time and always just thought that they were in charge so they can do what they want.

Something I realized when implementing my computational thinking strategies was that there could be any number of reasons why a teacher might miss their assignment deadline. However, the problem occurs when it becomes a pattern that students recognize.

I figured that algorithmic thinking would be the best way to combat the repeated missed deadlines from the teacher. In this assignment I used the other CT solutions to help me come up a fix all that revolved around algorithmic thinking, which was simply making a calendar that sets aside time specifically for grading and ensuring the assignments get done before the due date promised to the students.

Fiona Miller - Transitions

2026-02-27 17:19:21 UTC

Decomposition helped me understand the problem by clearly stating the specific causes like unclear directions, unprepared materials, ect, which made the issue more manageable and easier to address. Pattern recognition help identify when and why the problem happens most often helping me find effective solutions. Abstraction makes students learning more efficient by focusing on the most important factors instead of getting distracted by less relevant details. Algorithmic thinking in present in everyday classroom activities like morning routines or completing assignments because students follow a step-by-step process. Computational thinking can be integrated into subjects by encouraging students to break tasks into steps, recognize patterns in math and reading, follow structured processes and use digital or non-digital tools to organize and solve problems.

Taylor Nick

trnick28 — 2026-02-27 22:48:47 UTC

Decomposition helped me to break down the overwhelming grading pile into smaller, manageable tasks, such as sorting, checking for accuracy, and recording scores.

Pattern recognition helped me to identify common student mistakes or recurring questions. Instead of treating each paper as an independent entity, I noticed that students struggle with the same concept, allowing me to provide group feedback, resulting in a more efficient approach and less time spent writing individual feedback.

Abstraction allowed me to focus on the most important aspects of grading and to focus solely on students' understanding of the assignment.

Algorithmic thinking makes the most sense for this challenge, as I can set up time windows to grade, making it more efficient for me. Also, digital feedback can be collected through comment banks, which can easily be added to a document. Using digital grading systems also saves a lot of time.

Computational thinking is a systematic approach to tackling large tasks and finding the most efficient way to complete them. Integrating computational thinking into the classroom isn't just about adding coding or rules to every lesson. It's more about about teaching students how to process information so they can problem solve on their own.

Melanie Aguirre-Rua - Challenge 1

2026-02-28 18:04:27 UTC

Decomposition helped me break down the challenge of different learning levels into smaller parts, such as pace, learning style, and skills. This made it easier to figure out specific ways to help students instead of feeling overwhelmed by the whole problem.

Pattern recognition is important in problem solving because it helps teachers notice similarities in how students learn or struggle. By seeing these patterns, teachers can adjust lessons, group students effectively, and provide the right level of challenge or support students need.

Kimberlee Outhouse

outhousekg — 2026-02-28 23:41:29 UTC

Computational thinking helps make the problem easier to understand by breaking it into smaller parts. Instead of only seeing that transitions take too long, it becomes easier to examine each step and identify where the delay occurs. Decomposition helps show that the problem is made up of several smaller parts, not just one issue. Pattern recognition is important because it helps show repeated behaviors that may be causing the problem. Abstraction helps make learning more efficient by keeping attention on the most important parts of the problem and avoiding distractions from small details. Algorithmic thinking can be seen in everyday classroom tasks like lining up, washing hands, packing up, and doing morning routines, as these all follow a step-by-step process. Computational thinking can be used in subjects like math, science, reading, and classroom routines by helping students solve problems, notice patterns, and follow steps.

Triniti Richardson

Istestandardanalyst — 2026-03-01 21:59:34 UTC

My challenge was to apply computational thinking strategies to better transition between lessons and activities since it was taking too long. Using these strategies helped me to break down the challenge by having a structured way to analyze and solve it. By first using decomposition, I identified the smaller parts of the problem, such as lining up, moving/setting up materials, and starting the next activity, which allowed me to see exactly where time was being lost, or students were getting distracted and off-task. For abstraction, I focused on the most important parts of class transitions, which include having clear directions, signals, and the necessary materials set up, while disregarding distractions or random things that do not impact or benefit flow/transitioning. Using pattern recognition helped me notice that the delays often occurred when students were unsure of expectations or when the materials were disorganized, so I created step-by-step procedures for transitions, such as signaling, moving quietly, setting up materials first, and beginning the next activity when prompted, which is supported by algorithmic thinking in ensuring consistency and valued time.

Meg McCormack challenge 4

2026-03-01 22:47:26 UTC

In this challenge pattern recognition was very important as with it I am able to identify certain variables that later when coming up with a solution I can use. For instance I could find that students always turn in their work late when it is due at a certain time or on a certain day and use that that when creating a solution.

We see algorithmic thinking every day whenever we have to solve a problem or come up with a solution. We use it in problem solving.

Allisa Medrano

allisamedrano — 2026-03-02 02:15:02 UTC

Using computational thinking helped me look at the problem of procrastination in a more organized way. Decomposition helped me break the problem into smaller pieces, like time management, motivation, and assignment difficulty, instead of just saying students are “lazy.” Pattern recognition helped me notice trends, like certain assignments being turned in late more often than others. Abstraction helped me focus on the main causes instead of every small detail. Algorithmic thinking showed me how to create step-by-step solutions, like breaking big projects into smaller deadlines. Computational thinking can be used in everyday classroom activities like planning projects, solving math problems, and following routines, and it can be applied across different subjects.

Isabelle Gregie - Challenge 2

isabellegregie — 2026-03-02 03:40:49 UTC

Decomposition:
Break grading into smaller steps

Collecting assignments
Reading student work
Writing comments
Entering grades
Returning work
Answering student questions after

-Pattern Recognition:
Look at the problem more closely to look for patterns such as
1. Essays and open-ended work take the longest.
2. Students often make the same mistakes.
3. Teachers repeat the same feedback comments.
4. Grading piles up during busy weeks.
Abstraction:
The most important thing is that students receive meaningful and timely feedback. Not every tiny mistake needs a comment. Not every assignment needs detailed paragraphs of feedback. Focus on what will help students grow will make the grading process more manageable and purposeful.

Algorithmic Thinking:
Turn grading into a system instead of something that feels overwhelming every time.
1. Create clear rubrics ahead of time.
2. Use comment banks for common feedback.
3. Grade one question at a time instead of one entire paper at a time.
4. Give whole-class feedback for repeated mistakes.
5. Use auto-grading tools when possible.
6. Set a realistic turnaround goal (like 48 hours for smaller work).

-How computational thinking helped you break down the problem:
Computational thinking helped me stop seeing grading as this huge, overwhelming task. Instead of just saying “grading takes forever,” I was able to actually analyze what parts of it take the most time. Once I broke it apart, it felt way more manageable and fixable.

-How did decomposition help you understand the problem?
Decomposition made me realize grading isn’t just one thing. It’s collecting work, reading it, commenting, entering grades and responding to questions. Seeing all the smaller pieces helped me understand where time is actually being lost instead of just blaming the whole process.

-Why is pattern recognition important in problem-solving?
Pattern recognition helps us notice repeated issues so we’re not constantly solving the same problem over and over. For example, if students keep making the same mistake that shows there might be a misunderstanding that needs reteaching. Recognizing patterns helps us create smarter solutions instead of reactive ones.

-How can we use abstraction to make student learning more efficient?
Abstraction helps us focus on what really matters instead of getting distracted by small details. In grading that means focusing on the main learning goal instead of correcting every minor error.

Jiralmi Lugo, Challenge 2

2026-03-03 06:55:42 UTC

How computational thinking helped you break down the problem:

Computational thinking helped me think more critically, not just about the problem but also about what may be causing or contributing to it in the first place. Although we start with a big picture, this allows us to take a step back and look at the problem through a different lens. With this approach, we can develop unique and innovative solutions to the problem.

Decomposing:

Decomposing the problem allowed me to think more critically and question why it was occurring in the first place. It forced me to look closer at what other factors contribute to teachers not grading assignments in an efficient or timely manner.

Pattern Recognition:

Pattern Recognition is important in problem-solving because it helps us identify recurring behaviors or factors that make the conditions just right for the problem to arise.

Abstraction:

Abstraction can make student learning more efficient by helping them identify relevant information. When they can do this, it will become easier for them to establish relevance and develop targeted solutions to specific problems.

Algorithmic Thinking:

I think algorithmic thinking is easily seen in subjects like math and science, where students are instructed to decompose problems, explain their thought process, and write out their problem-solving steps.

Computational thinking integrated into subjects:

I think computational thinking can be integrated into other subjects, like literature and history, through debate and conversation, and maybe even essay writing, by asking students to develop their interpretations of historical events with supporting evidence. Students can detail why a problem came about and show through discourse their thought process and the development of a solution.

Makenna Anderson

2026-03-10 03:15:29 UTC

Why is pattern recognition important in problem-solving?

Pattern recognition is important because it helps students identify similarities between problems and allows them to use strategies that they may already know or have learned. When students have different levels of understanding, recognizing patterns allows them to connect new problems with familiar ones, which ultimately makes problem-solving more approachable. For example, if students are able to recognize that multiplication problems can be broken down into the idea of repeated addition, they can find a method that best suits them.

How can we use abstraction to make student learning more efficient?

Abstraction can help make learning more efficient by focusing students on the most important idea and removing unnecessary details that may overwhelm them. When students have different levels of understanding and learning styles, teachers can use abstraction to highlight the core concept of a given lesson so that all students work with the same main idea, even if the examples or supports look different for the students. For example, a math teacher may emphasize the underlying structure of a problem rather than the specific numbers.

Mallory Smith

2026-03-10 23:25:51 UTC

Decomposition helped me understand the problem because it broke it up into smaller and easier problems to solve. Tackling lengthy transitions seemed overwhelming, but the smaller parts that led to it were easier to solve.

Abstraction can be used to make student learning more efficient, because it practices recognizing unimportant issues and allowing them to wait. Although those unimportant issues may need to be eventually addressed, if they are not a direct contributor to the problem at hand, they can be solved at a later time. An example would be helping students with learning struggles or those that are far behind. Although they may need to keep up with the class, it is imperative that they have the needed prerequisite knowledge first.

Reagan Sandstrom: Challenge 1

2026-03-13 13:47:46 UTC

How did decomposition help you understand the problem?

I was able to break down the issue to identify key factors that influence learning, such as prior knowledge, learning pace, engagement, and language needs. By using decomposition skills, I can see what exactly needs to be addressed as I start my computational thinking checklist ending in a plan.

Why is pattern recognition important in problem-solving?

Pattern recognition is important in problem solving because it allows teachers to notice trends in student learning, such as increased engagement in specific activities, or where students commonly struggle. By recognizing these patterns, teachers can make more informed and instructional decisions and adjust their teaching strategies to support all learners.

Challenge 4 Sydnie Capriola

2026-03-21 00:37:37 UTC

Computational thinking helped transform a broad classroom issue into something more structured and solvable. Decomposition allowed me to break the problem into smaller questions: why students procrastinate, when it happens, and who it affects, making it easier to understand root causes. Pattern recognition was important because it revealed trends, such as certain types of assignments or times when procrastination increased, which helped guide more targeted solutions. Abstraction helped narrow the focus to key issues like time management, motivation, and task clarity, allowing me to avoid getting overwhelmed by less relevant details and make student support more efficient. Algorithmic thinking is present in everyday classroom routines, such as giving step-by-step directions, establishing procedures, or creating systems for assignment completion. Computational thinking can be integrated across subjects by encouraging students to break down problems, look for patterns in data or texts, simplify complex ideas, and develop clear processes for solving problems in math, science, ELA, and beyond.

Kari Wheeler: Challenge 2

2026-04-22 21:35:45 UTC

Pattern recognition is important to problem solving because if you notice a pattern, you can see if there is something causing one of the problems in the pattern and see if that also applies to other instances within the pattern. It makes it easier to solve overall if you can recognize what's causing all of the problems within the pattern.

We see algorithmic thinking in every day classroom activities with the step by step instructions students are given, as well as when teachers tell students solutions that may help them find the assignment to be easier and more manageable.