The effect of mind games activities on problem-solving and computational thinking skills of grade 5 students

This research aims to examine the effect of Mind Games activities on problem-solving skills and computational thinking skills of 5th grade students. Sequential explanatory design, one of the mixed research methods, was used in the research. The research was carried out in a quasi-experimental design pretest-posttest without a control group with 17 5th grade students in a secondary school in Adıyaman. The research was carried out with an experimental period of 6 weeks. Before the experimental study, the problem-solving skills and computational thinking skills scales were applied to the students as a pre-test. Kapsul game activity was performed in the first week of the experimental study. ABC Baglama activity was held during the week. Sudoku activity was held in the 3rd week. In the 4th week, Three Stone game activities were held. Kendoku game activity was held in the 5th week. In the 6th week, Kakuro game activity was held. Statistical values in the study were calculated using the SPSS program. To collect quantitative data, a pre-test of problem-solving skills and computational thinking skills was applied to the students before the experimental process. After the experimental process, problem-solving skills and computational thinking skills scales were applied as a posttest. The applied pre-test and post-test results were analyzed with the paired sample t-test. Additionally, to collect qualitative data to strengthen the research, an interview form was applied to obtain the opinions of the students about the experimental process. In line with the findings obtained because of the experimental study, it can be said that the mind game activities have a positive effect on the students' computational thinking and problem-solving skills, and the lesson turns into more fun.