A common argument against teaching and learning coding is that not everyone is going to become a programmer and indeed, only a small percentage of children will end up in this field. What most people fail to realise are the many peripheral benefits of learning to code. Just as various school subjects teach and develop different skills in students, so does coding. Here is a list of the skills and attributes that coding teaches and develops:
Problem solving skills
Logical thinking
Critical thinking
Creative thinking
Abstract thinking
Algorithmic design
Collaboration
Attention to detail
Patience
Perseverance
Resilience
To elaborate on how these skills and attributes are developed through learning to code:
Each coding challenge that students are faced with is a challenge that requires problem-solving skills. As students write and debug code, they have to apply logical thinking and attention to detail. When the code is not working as expected, the students will have to display perseverance and resilience in finding the errors and in re-working their code. Collaborative coding projects improve teamwork and communication, while coding simple programmes or games nurtures creativity and builds confidence. By experimenting with algorithms and troubleshooting errors, they build critical thinking and strategic planning skills. Additionally, coding often involves learning from mistakes, which promotes patience and an open-minded approach to problem-solving. These experiences equip children with a growth mindset and practical tools for success in various domains.