An Educational Coding Laboratory for Elementary Pre-service Teachers: A Qualitative Approach

The present study involved 64 pre-service teachers in a first experience of coding with the software Scratch, foreseeing its qualitative evaluation. In particular, the procedure in the laboratorial setting was designed as follows: firstly, subjects attended theoretical lessons on the use of the software, ideated and implemented an educational app. Afterwards, subjects wrote a report on the negative and positive aspects of their laboratorial experience. The analysis of results show that pre-service teachers appreciated the collaborative work, the freedom to code an app following their own interests, and the use of an engaging software. A constant concern regarding teachers’ self-efficacy as future mentors was present. Further quantitative studies are necessary.