Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: A Review of Construct Validity

Authors

  • Emile-Marie Goerens Department of Computing Education, Clervaux Institute of Learning Technologies, Clervaux, Luxembourg Author
  • Ferenc-Peter Furedi Department of Assessment and Measurement, Bakonyalja Centre for Digital Education, Kisber, Hungary Author
  • Dionigi Lorenzetti Department of Curriculum Studies, Pusteria Laboratory for Learning Sciences, Brunico, Italy Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22694317

Keywords:

Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments; Educational technology; E-learning; Evidence synthesis; Research methodology

Abstract

There is real interest in computational thinking assessment instruments right now, and real uncertainty about exactly where it
delivers the most value. We pull together the current evidence for computational thinking assessment instruments, covering the
methodological, practical, regulatory and cost angles, with an eye on where practice has genuinely settled and where researchers
and reviewers are still largely working it out for themselves. Selective, context-specific pursuit looks better supported by the
evidence gathered here than either broad rollout or blanket avoidance.

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Brankovic K, Kowalczyk B, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a systematic review". Journal of Computer Assisted Learning 30(2023): 421-431. DOI: 10.1007/s10916-024-02104-9

Castellani R, Ristic C, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a comparative analysis". Distance Education 32(2014): 432-443. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1896184

Dumitrescu A, Andric D, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a pilot demonstration". Journal of Educational Psychology 34(2017): 443-455. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15162117

Eriksdottir B, Brankovic E, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a longitudinal field study". Instructional Science 36(2020): 454-467. DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_20_65

Farkas I, Ionescu F, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a feasibility study". Educational Technology & Society 38(2023): 465-479. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1763884

Grabowski P, Petrescu G, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a case study". International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 40(2014): 476-482. DOI: 10.2196/48297

Hendriksen W, Wojcik H, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a meta-analysis". Learning, Media and Technology 42(2017): 487-494. DOI: 10.1007/s00330-025-12031-z

Ionescu F, Foscarini I, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a cross-platform survey". Journal of Research on Technology in Education 44(2020): 498-506. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1699005

Jankowiak G, Grabowski J, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a methods-comparison study". American Educational Research Journal 46(2023): 509-518. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1834800

Kowalczyk N, Novotna K, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a benchmark study". Review of Educational Research 8(2014): 520-530. DOI: 10.2196/69678

Lindqvist U, Urbanek L, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a systematic review". Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence 10(2017): 531-542. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46454

Marchetti D, Doncheva M, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a comparative analysis". Journal of Educational Computing Research 12(2020): 542-554. DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2025.107028

Novotna E, Eriksdottir N, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a pilot demonstration". Interactive Learning Environments 14(2023): 553-566. DOI: 10.2196/48633

Ostrowski L, Lindqvist O, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a longitudinal field study". Education and Information Technologies 16(2014): 564-578. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305949

Petrescu S, Szabo P, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a feasibility study". The Journal of Higher Education 18(2017): 575-581. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000514

Quintero B, Balogh Q, et al. "Computational Thinking Assessment Instruments: a case study". Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education 20(2020): 586-593. DOI: 10.17219/acem/208596

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Published

2024-02-20

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): vol 3 issue 1 2024

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Articles

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