Have you ever stopped to think about what a cooking recipe, a mobile app and a board game have in common? Though it may seem surprising, they all include a series of steps that must be solved which, in education, is known as computational thinking. And if you’re wondering, no, it doesn’t involve using computers or robots.

Computational thinking is a learning methodology that goes far beyond programming. It is a way of approaching and solving problems, by rationalising, abstracting and understanding the world through a structured but creative mind.

If cultivated from an early age, this skill can greatly favour both academic development and the capacity to adapt to the different challenges of daily and professional life.

But, do you really know how this methodology works? In the following, we will explain what computational thinking is, some real life examples and the benefits it can provide.

What is computational thinking?

Computational thinking allows us to tackle problems in a logical and structured way, making it one of the most relevant skills of the 21st century. It is not just about programming, but about analysing, decomposing and solving challenges step by step, as a computer scientist would do.

Definition and origin of the concept

Although it has gained prominence in recent years thanks to its inclusion in the field of education, the term was coined by computer engineer Jeannette Wing in 2006. She defined it as the mental process involved in formulating problems and their solutions in a way that can be represented so that a machine or a person can carry them out.

It is a concept that has transcended the world of computer science and is based mainly on the transversal capacity that allows us to analyse a problem, break it down into simpler parts, identify patterns, abstract the essentials and create an effective solution, often in the form of an algorithm. This way of thinking can be as useful for reasoning as it is for designing a video game, carrying out a school project or planning a holiday.

Phases of computational thinking in the classroom

For computational thinking to be truly effective, we must divide the problem into four fundamental phases. Each of them has a specific focus, but all of them are necessary to reach an effective solution:

  • Decomposition: this involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts. For example, organising a school party involves booking a venue, sending invitations and buying materials. Each part can then be handled separately.
  • Pattern recognition: identifying similarities between problems or situations in order to apply known solutions. For example, if an activity has worked well in one course, it can probably be adapted to another.
  • Abstraction: this is about eliminating unnecessary details in order to focus on what is really important. In this way, we can build simplified models of the problem, like when we use a map to orient ourselves without needing to see every detail of the city.
  • Algorithms: designing a sequence of logical instructions to solve a problem. A concrete activity could be to ask students to design an “algorithm” for preparing a balanced breakfast. The necessary instructions should be written down step by step: from choosing the ingredients to preparing them in a logical order.

These steps can be summarised in a routine that is particularly useful in the classroom: Think – Program – Test. First, the problem is analysed, then a plan or code is created, and finally the solution is tested to see if it works or if changes are required.

Examples of computational thinking

When it comes to working on computational thinking, there are many everyday activities that can be of great interest, such as solving puzzles or planning a school project. Practical examples show how we can apply logic, patterns and sequences, even without using computers.

Computational thinking in infant and primary school

One of the main advantages of this methodology is that it can be used from an early age, facilitating the learning of more complex concepts.

Some examples of computational thinking activities in primary and infant school are:

  • Sequence games: using picture cards to get students to order actions according to a given logic. For example, which comes first: washing hands or sitting down to eat?
  • Building with Lego-type blocks: encourage problem decomposition (how do I build a house?) and pattern recognition (which pieces repeat?).
  • Jumbled stories: give pupils a fragmented story to put in order. This works on both algorithms and logical thinking.
  • Solving mazes: allows children to plan routes, recognise mistakes and come up with new solutions.

Teaching without computers: unplugged computational thinking

When we talk about unplugged computational thinking, we refer to all those activities that promote this way of thinking without the need for screens or computers. Instead, only a pencil, paper and a bit of creativity are required.

Therefore, it can be used even in schools that do not have technological resources or in cases where we want to avoid digital overexposure of children.

Some examples could be:

  • Board games such as ‘Rush Hour’ or ‘Robot Turtles’.
  • Kinaesthetic activities where students act as ‘robots’ and have to follow instructions.
  • Puzzles and sudoku adapted to a child’s level.
  • Creating algorithms with cards or coloured blocks.

Activities to encourage computational thinking

As we have already indicated, to work on computational thinking in the classroom it is not necessary to have great resources. Some practical activities for different educational levels could be:

  1. Programming with Scratch (from 8 years of age): allows you to create games and stories with visual blocks.
  2. Designing algorithms with cards: students have to order cards with actions for a ‘robot’ (another classmate) to complete a task, such as going through a maze drawn on the floor.
  3. Paper-based logic challenges: crossword puzzles, ‘find the error’ type games or mathematical puzzles adapted by level.
  4. Cooking recipe sequences: organising the steps of real recipes. A perfect activity to integrate maths, logic and language.
  5. Simulation of real problems: for example, design a system for sorting waste at school using boxes and coloured labels.

Benefits of computational thinking

If you still unsure about whether it is worth integrating computational thinking in the classroom, here are some compelling reasons:

  • It develops critical thinking: students learn to analyse, question and find solutions to real problems.
  • It encourages creativity: designing solutions from scratch stimulates imagination and innovation.
  • It enhances mathematical and linguistic skills: ordering, sequencing and summarising strengthen the use of language and logical reasoning.
  • It improves teamwork: many activities are carried out in teams, which strengthens skills such as communication and empathy.
  • It prepares for future careers: not only for careers in technology, but for any context where effective problem solving is needed.
  • It bridges the digital divide: by teaching how technology works from the inside, we empower students and turn them into creators.

In summary, computational thinking in the classroom is one of the most powerful pedagogical tools available today. It prepares students not only for the present, but also for the future.