Abstract:

The findings of the Eurydice report on the Computer Science teaching as a specific discipline in primary education in Europe indicate that most countries teach computer science as a standalone compulsory subject or include learning outcomes within other subjects. In Slovenia, computer science is currently taught as an elective subject chosen only by 17% of students, with a focus primarily on digital literacy education. As a result, Slovenia lacks a properly developed curriculum that encompasses comprehensive computer science knowledge. This challenge has driven us to create a knowledge, skills, and attitudes catalog that we consider essential for computer science education, tailored to the context of primary education in Slovenia.
Based on a systematic review of literature that includes foundational works in computer science curriculum guidelines such as ACM K-12 and CS4ALL, we have developed a catalog of computer science knowledge, skills and attitudes that are essential for students aged 8-11. Our analysis has identified the following key areas: computer systems, data and analysis, algorithms and programming, computer networks and the internet, and the effects of computer science and informatics. These areas have served as the foundation for defining operational objectives, considering the age group of the target audience and the context of other subjects within the Slovenian education system.
We have dedicated significant attention to carefully considering the most effective approach for presenting computer science concepts addressed in the developed computer science catalog. Our objective has been to extract the fundamental idea of each concept and formulate practical suggestions and guidelines for teaching for the selected target group of students. In doing so, we have focused on ensuring correctness, didactical and pedagogical appropriateness and enabling meaningful progression and deepening of knowledge in higher grades. Concurrently, we have taken great care to ensure that explanations are clear, comprehensible, and tailored to the unique needs and abilities of the target group of students.
The developed computer science knowledge, skills and attitudes catalog serve as the foundation for curriculum development when incorporating introducing a new subject or integrating learning outcomes into existing subjects within the Slovenian education system. We believe that the thoughtful considerations and guidelines we have developed regarding the presentation of computer science concepts make a significant contribution, ultimately fostering the development of computer science knowledge, skills, and attitudes within this specific target group of students.

Keywords:

Computer Science Education, Computer Science Catalog, Students aged 8-11.