Does Learning to Code Make Students More Successful?

In its simplest definition, coding is the process of explaining the operations to be performed on a computer system or device in a language that the computer or device can understand. Coding education is a very important skill so that new generations can carry out the professions of the future and become well-equipped and successful individuals. Coding, which contributes to the development of many 21st century skills such as problem solving, collaborative work, critical thinking, leadership, productivity, media literacy and writing, also emerges as a new 21st century skill. In this context, an individual who can code will stand out and make a difference among his peers in many aspects both in his personal and working life. Today, just as the question “Is it necessary to learn to read and write?” If a question like this is not asked and is considered ridiculous, “Is it necessary to know how to code?” The question is also open to discussion.

Writing code improves individuals’ skills such as analytical thinking, problem solving, algorithm building, and computational thinking. Many developed countries include coding education in their curriculum and carry out considerable studies in this field. The biggest reason why European countries include coding education in their curricula is to provide students with the 21st century skills that we briefly mentioned above. In addition, some countries support individuals who know how to code from early childhood in order to meet employment in the sector. In Turkey, since the 2012-2013 academic year, the Information Technologies and Software course has gradually started to be given to students from the 5th grade level in order to teach them how to write code.

Writing code is a new way of thinking, producing and designing, and coding is a branch that feeds not only from the field of technology but also from all other fields, that is, it adopts an interdisciplinary approach. Coding training can be used with other disciplines, supports other disciplines and supports success in different fields. In a study, it was concluded that students who received coding training at an early age had higher creativity abilities, divergent thinking and metacognition skills than students who did not receive coding training. According to the results of a similar research, it was determined that students who knew how to code were effective in learning mathematical concepts, developing problem-solving methods, and systematic and creative thinking. When the literature is examined, it is possible to come across many studies showing that coding education supports many skills in students and makes them more successful in fields such as science, mathematics and even art.

It is seen that the self-efficacy belief of students who know how to code has a positive and strong effect on their success. Students with a high level of self-efficacy believe in working hard, continuing their studies persistently when faced with difficulties, using learning strategies efficiently and being successful. Individuals who can code have made a positive difference in every study, both in the technological field and in terms of acquiring other knowledge and skills. We must understand the importance of coding education and try to teach children this skill for a generation that is more successful, can find creative solutions to problems, is productive, can work collaboratively, can lead when necessary, can keep up with the times and even lead the way.