Eight in 10 teachers think coding kids are better problem solvers

Children who learn computer science skills such as coding gain a multitude of benefits in other areas, including problem solving, creative thinking and mathematics, according to a new study by OKdo. For a new report titled Broader Benefits of Learning to Code, the global tech company gathered survey responses from almost 7,000 UK teachers and parents (with children aged 5-16), in which 96% of teachers claimed to have seen first-hand evidence of how computer science lessons can help to improve both hard and soft skills, as well as IT abilities, in children. Overall, eight in 10 (82%) of teachers said computer science education boosts pupils' problem solving capabilities. On top of this, two thirds (68%) agreed that it helps them develop expertise in mathematics, while six in 10 (60%) claimed that lessons in the subject also positively impacts creative thinking in young people. Over a third (35%) felt that teaching coding can boost children's organisational and time management skills, with 34% also feeling that participating in the subject can improve young people's ability to work as part of team.