IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bcp/journl/v9y2025i3sp556-570.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Creative Learning Unplugged: A Constructionist Approach to Coding Education Using Scratch

Author

Listed:
  • Goh Kok Ming

    (Management Department, Sultan Idris Education University)

  • Dayang Rafidah Syariff M. Fuad

    (Management Department, Sultan Idris Education University)

  • Hyginus Lester Junior Lee

    (Labuan Education Department)

  • Yang Roziah Muhamed Yaacob

    (Larut Matang and Selama District Education Department)

  • Tony Ng Wei Kang

    (Walnut Education)

Abstract

In the contemporary digital age, the integration of coding education is critical for fostering computational thinking, creativity, and collaboration among young learners. Scratch, a visual programming platform, has been widely adopted in various countries, including Finland and Singapore, to enhance students’ digital literacy and problem-solving skills. However, in Malaysia, disparities in digital infrastructure, teacher readiness, and resource availability have limited its widespread implementation, particularly in rural areas. Addressing these challenges, this study aimed to explore an innovative Hybrid Project-Based and Performance-Based Competition (HPPBC) approach to teaching Scratch, blending collaborative, hands-on learning with competitive elements to enhance engagement and learning outcomes. Using a Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology, the study conducted three iterative cycles involving 35 students aged 10–12 years in Malaysia. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, field notes, and analysis of student-created artifacts. The findings revealed a progressive development in students’ confidence, collaboration, and coding skills. Participants showed increased creativity, adaptability, and ownership of their projects, particularly when engaging with surprise themes introduced in the competition. Peer interaction and facilitator support emerged as pivotal factors in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This study concludes that the HPPBC approach, grounded in constructionism, provides an effective framework for coding education, addressing barriers to inclusivity and engagement. The research highlights the need for differentiated instruction, tailored scaffolding, and the integration of real-world themes to ensure accessibility and relevance. Future research should focus on scaling this approach to diverse educational contexts, incorporating longitudinal studies to assess its long-term impact on computational literacy and its potential integration with emerging technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Goh Kok Ming & Dayang Rafidah Syariff M. Fuad & Hyginus Lester Junior Lee & Yang Roziah Muhamed Yaacob & Tony Ng Wei Kang, 2025. "Creative Learning Unplugged: A Constructionist Approach to Coding Education Using Scratch," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3s), pages 556-570, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:3s:p:556-570
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-9-issue-3s/556-570.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/creative-learning-unplugged-a-constructionist-approach-to-coding-education-using-scratch/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Idarwana Hasin & M. Khalid M. Nasir, 2021. "The Effectiveness of the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Rural Secondary Schools in Malaysia," Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 8(1), pages 59-64.
    2. Idarwana Hasin & M. Khalid M. Nasir, 2021. "The Effectiveness of the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Rural Secondary Schools in Malaysia," Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 8(1), pages 59-64.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Kaleena Halene Donald & Harwati Hashim, 2025. "Exploring Digital Education: Experiential Insights of ESL Teachers in Rural Malaysian Schools," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3s), pages 936-951, February.
    2. Adi Jafar & Ramli Dollah & Ramzah Dambul & Prabhat Mittal & Syahruddin Awang Ahmad & Nordin Sakke & Mohammad Tahir Mapa & Eko Prayitno Joko & Oliver Valentine Eboy & Lindah Roziani Jamru & Andika Ab. , 2022. "Virtual Learning during COVID-19: Exploring Challenges and Identifying Highly Vulnerable Groups Based on Location," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-16, September.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:3s:p:556-570. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Dr. Pawan Verma (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.