Abstract:

The introduction of programming in K-12 education is an ongoing process in many countries. In the Swedish context computer programming should be introduced as a new educational tool in K-12 mathematics. Several studies have reported on a successful teacher training, less studies can be found about the second step of the rocket: implementing programming in the daily teaching activities. Computer programming is a powerful tool, but probably not for all topics in K-12 mathematics. The research question for this study was: "What are the teacher ideas for mathematical topics where programming can be a value adding part of the lesson planning?". Data has been collected from lesson plans submitted to an assignment in two instances of a course on computer programming for K-12 teachers. The submitted answers have been inductively analysed, where found patterns and sub-themes were grouped into themes with a probability to answer the research question. The used method was the six-step process for thematic analyses that has been outlined by (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Findings indicate that programming has a potential to be a reinforcing component in several mathematical topics. Some examples where programming can add value in more specific topics are numeric analysis, geometry, number series and statistics, but there were also lesson plans for using programming in more general problem solving in arithmetic and algebra. Furthermore, there were several creative lesson plans for how to use programming graphics to visualise different mathematical concepts. Finally, to secure a successful flight for the described two-step, the recommendation is to provide more programming courses for K-12 teachers.

Keywords:

Programming education, Mathematics, Teacher training, Professional development, Lesson planning.