In twenty-first-century education, problem-solving ability is recognized as a key component of higher-order thinking and a central focus of international assessments such as PISA and NAEP. In alignment with these global trends, competency-based STEM education emphasizes the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on and project-based learning activities to cultivate students’ systematic thinking and problem-solving skills. In recent years, generative artificial intelligence (GAI) enhances personalized learning, supports real-time guidance, and strengthens problem-solving, making teaching more adaptive and effective. This study incorporates computational thinking (CT) scaffolding into GAI using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) technology to develop an adaptive “GAI Learning Partner.” The proposed system provides personalized and real-time instructional support, addressing limitations commonly found in traditional programming instruction.

A quasi-experimental design was conducted with 100 tenth-grade high school students, who were assigned to experimental and control groups. Over a 12-week STEM project focused on sorting machine design, the experimental group received GAI-supported CT scaffolding, whereas the control group received CT scaffolding only. Research instruments included assessments of CT, hands-on performance, programming self-efficacy, and problem-solving attitudes. Additionally, behavioral sequence analysis was employed to examine students’ learning processes.

The results reveal that integrating GAI significantly improved students’ CT, hands-on performance, programming self-efficacy, and problem-solving attitudes. The experimental group also demonstrated stronger hands-on performance and more engaged behavioral patterns during the learning activities. Overall, the study offers empirical evidence supporting the use of generative AI in secondary STEM education and provides practical insights for designing CT–GAI integrated instructional models.

Authors:
Hsien-Sheng Hsiao, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan
Hsin-Mei Chen, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Hsien-Sheng Hsiao is currently a Distinguished Professor at the Department of Technology Application and Human Resource Development, National Taiwan Normal University.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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