Can learning coding improve children's conditional reasoning and mathematical achievement?

Abstract

Conditional reasoning skills and mathematical competence facilitate one’s problem-solving skills. In addition, coding has been increasingly incorporated into the school curriculum with the rising importance of technology. This study aimed to explore the effect of learning coding on children’s conditional reasoning skills and mathematical achievement. A total of 63 Primary 5 students were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group (receiving coding training) and the control group (receiving writing training). Participants were tested for their conditional reasoning and mathematics skills, as well as control variables (i.e., intelligence and reading skills). Results indicated a significant effect of learning coding on the improvement in children’s conditional reasoning skills and mathematical achievement. Children’s improvement in conditional reasoning skills did not significantly account for the relationship between learning coding and the advancement in mathematical achievement. This study offered insights on the benefits of learning coding on promoting children’s conditional reasoning skills and mathematical achievement in the digital era.