Effectiveness of Computational Thinking Integrated Module in Enhancing Learning Gains in Renewable Energy Education Among Young Learners

This study explored the effectiveness of a Computational Thinking Module (CT-Module) in improving computational thinking skills and renewable energy awareness among primary school students in Sabah, Malaysia. In today’s rapidly developing technological era, students are expected to master 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. Computational thinking (CT), which includes skills such as decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking, has become increasingly important in science and STEM education. At the same time, renewable energy education is essential in developing environmentally responsible future generations. However, limited research has focused on integrating computational thinking with renewable energy learning among young learners in Malaysian primary schools.
This study was guided by Piaget’s Constructivism Theory and the Computational Theory of Mind. A structured CT-Module was developed using the ADDIE instructional design model. The module combined both plugged and unplugged learning activities related to renewable energy concepts, energy conservation, and computational thinking practices. A quantitative quasi-experimental research design involving treatment and control groups was employed. Year 4 students were selected using matched-pair sampling techniques. Data were collected through computational thinking pre-post tests and renewable energy awareness tests. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and MANOVA.
The findings showed that students who used the CT-Module demonstrated significantly higher improvement in computational thinking skills and renewable energy awareness compared to students who received conventional instruction. The treatment group achieved greater learning gains. The study suggests that integrating computational thinking into renewable energy education can effectively strengthen students’ higher-order thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and environmental awareness. The CT-Module also serves as a practical teaching resource that can support interdisciplinary STEM and sustainability education in Malaysian primary science classrooms.

STEM pedagogy, Renewable energy education

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