Embedding Cognitive Apprenticeship With Role-Switched Pair Programming: Toward Mastery Learning in Computational Thinking and Co-Regulation

Abstract

This study explores instructional interventions designed to support mastery learning among fifth- and sixth-grade students in an after-school setup using block-based coding platforms. It presents a cognitive apprenticeship-based pair programming (PP) approach through which educators can design lessons that can offer targeted learning support to enhance computational thinking (CT) and co-regulation. Specifically, the study examines the effects of integrating role switching within three core phases of the cognitive apprenticeship in a PP environment. Using a quasi-experimental design (N = 85), we administered a pre- and post-test CT questionnaire, a post-test co-regulation questionnaire, activity sheets, and reflective journals to novice learners in an after-school program. The findings indicate that embedding the three core phases of cognitive apprenticeship, together with structured role switching in PP, significantly enhanced elementary students’ CT and co-regulation. An integrated instructional design, comprising brief modeling videos for knowledge delivery, structured scaffolding and reflection for CT development, and role switching to foster co-regulation and reduce cognitive load, offers a practical and scalable approach to collaborative learning. The study also offers recommendations for future research and instructional design to refine PP practices in collaborative learning contexts.

Keywords

pair programming cognitive apprenticeship mastery learning computational thinking co-regulation mixed-methods

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