La programación, ¿una herramienta para desarrollar la capacidad de resolución de problemas?

Abstract

The term computational thinking is used to describe how a «computer scientist» thinks when facing a problem and the benefits that this way of thinking could have in all of us. Computational thinking represents the process of recognizing aspects of computing in the world around us, and applying its tools and techniques to understand and think about the systems and problems we face. The objective of this work is to analyze the extent to which the development of computational thinking influences the subsequent improvement of skills or competences related to the resolution of problems in a specific scientific field, or even in general and practical situations of everyday life. To this end, we have worked with students from the Degree in Mathematics and with students from the Degree in Computer Science. It�s important to note that in both cases, these Degrees incorporate courses for introducing students to «computer programming» (a fundamental tool for all «computer scientist»). The EFAI (Factorial Assessment of Intellectual Abilities) test battery - level 4 - was used to measure general intelligence, non verbal intelligence (INV) and verbal intelligence (IV). From the results obtained, it can be deduced that there is a greater homogeneity in the development of the INV for students who presumably have received more training linked to programming. Even so, and in order to obtain more robust conclusions, it will be necessary to extend the study to students from other branches of knowledge, comparing the skills of the younger students with the students who are close to finish the degree.