To respond to the growing demand for 21st-century skills in science education, SEAMEO QITEP in Science (SEAQIS) organised a training programme titled Integration of Computational Thinking into Chemistry Education from 5 to 8 May 2025 at BBGTK Jawa Barat, Bandung, Indonesia. This initiative brought together 20 chemistry teachers from across West Java and Banten, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to embed computational thinking (CT) into their teaching practices.
In his opening remarks, SEAQIS Director, Reza Setiawan, emphasised that computational thinking is no longer exclusive to computer science but has become a crucial cognitive skill for learners in all scientific disciplines. He highlighted the importance of preparing students to become systematic thinkers and problem-solvers, stating that, “This training is not just a professional development opportunity—it’s a gateway to transforming how chemistry is taught in the classroom.”
Over the course of four days, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions that introduced the foundations of computational thinking and its integration into chemistry teaching. The sessions were facilitated by SEAQIS team members, Lukman Nulhakim and Septian Karyana, and featured expert contributions from lecturers of Indonesia University of Education, namely Dr.rer.nat. Omay Sumarna and Dr Sjaeful Anwar, who delivered in-depth materials on chemistry concepts and CT-based learning models. The programme culminated in a collaborative lesson design workshop and teaching simulations, enabling participants to put their learning into practice.
Reflecting on the training, one participant shared, “At first, I thought computational thinking was only relevant to computer science. But now I realise it’s an essential skill in chemistry as well. It trains us to think systematically and solve problems in a structured way—it’s not just about computers, but about how our minds work to develop solutions.”
As part of SEAQIS’ ongoing commitment to sustainable professional development, follow-up school visits are planned to observe how participants implement CT in their classrooms. These visits will also provide mentoring support to ensure that the principles of computational thinking are not only understood but meaningfully applied in students’ learning experiences.
Through this training, SEAQIS reaffirms its role as a regional leader in science education innovation, actively supporting teachers in integrating forward-looking approaches to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Written by: Fitri Farqiah
