A mixed-methods study of the impact of learning to code on STEM interest and the development of writing skills

The purpose of this research was to investigate how learning to code using Google’s CS First’s lessons on Storytelling impacted students’ coding skills, writing skills, and their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Bandura’s (1977) ideas provided a theoretical foundation for self-efficacy in this study and a conceptual framework proposed connections among the constructs of coding skills, writing skills, and STEM interest. A convergent mixed methods approach was used for this study to allow for the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data with the intent of integrating the results to answer the research questions.

In this study, 49 students learned to code using Google’s CS First’s lessons on Storytelling during a district summer program. Students completed pre- and post- assessments to measure coding and writing skills. The students also completed the S-STEM Survey developed by the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation (2012) with additional question questions measuring coding interest. At the conclusion of the study, students completed evaluation questions and 10 students participated in a semi-structured interview.

Learning to code using Google’s CS First’s lesson on Storytelling significantly impacted students’ scores on the Coding Skills Assessment. There was also a significant increase in the overall scores on a pre- and post-writing assessment. Analysis of the S-STEM survey data showed that there were no significant changes in students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as a result of learning to code using Google’s CS First’s lessons on Storytelling; however, there was a significant change in students’ coding interest. The findings of this study support the implementation of coding programs as a tool for classroom instruction because learning to code can promote the development of coding skills, coding interest, and writing skills.