Mathematical Problem Solving through Digital Making: Envisioning a Computationally Enhanced Mathematics Curriculum in Hong Kong’s Primary and Secondary Schools

~ oilamn

Principal Investigator (2021-2024). This study builds on the PI’s previously developed conception of “learning as Making” to envision a computationally enhanced mathematics curriculum. It will inform the “big picture” of how using computers might fundamentally change mathematical thinking, with an emphasis on mathematical problem solving (and more generally, STEM learning).

Funded by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, General Research Fund ($638,908 HKD). 

For more info, visit project website: https://ngoilamhk.wixsite.com/digitalmaking/

Research Output:

  1. Ng, O. (2025). Problem solving with discrete variables from a computational thinking perspective. For the Learning of Mathematics, 45(2), 44-48.
  2. Cui, Z., Ng, O., Jong, M., & Weng, X. (2025). Middle School Students’ In-Moment Engagement in Synchronous Online Learning: An Activity-Community of Inquiry Approach. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.70081
  3. Ye, H., Ng, O., & Leung, A. (2024). Examining mathematics teachers’ creative actions in programming-based mathematical activities. ZDM Mathematics Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-024-01579-7
  4. Ye, H., Ng, O., Cui, Z. (2023). Conceptualizing flexibility in programming-based mathematical problem-solving. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 62(2), 594-619. https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331231209773
  5. Ng, O., Leung, A., Ye, H. (2023). Exploring Computational Thinking as a Boundary Object between Mathematics and Computer Programming for STEM Teaching and Learning. ZDM-Mathematics Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-023-01509-z
  6. Ng, O., Sinclair, N., Ferrara, F., & Liang, B. (2023). Transforming arithmetic through digital resource. In B. Pepin, G. Gueudet, & J. Choppin (Eds.), Handbook of Digital (Curriculum) Resources in Mathematics Education. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95060-6_17-1
  7. Zhang, Y., Ng, O., & Leung, S. (2023). Researching computational thinking in early childhood STEAM education context: A descriptive review of selected literature on the state of research and future directions. Journal of STEM Education and Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-023-00097-7
  8. Ng, O., Chan, A., Ho, T., Tsoi, D., Liu, A., Law, M., … (2023). Integration of Programming, Problem Solving and Recreational Mathematics for a Computationally Enhanced Mathematics Education. School Mathematics Newsletter, 26, 7-28.
  9. Weng, X., Ng, O., Cui, Z., Leung, S. (2023). Creativity development with problem-based digital making and block-based programming for STEAM learning in middle school contexts. Journal of Educational Computing Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331221115661
  10. Weng, X., Cui, Z., Ng, O., Jong, M., & Chiu, T. K. F. (2022). Characterizing students’ 4C skill development during problem-based digital making. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 31(3), 372-385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-022-09961-4
  11. Ng, O., Liu, M, & Cui, Z. (2021). Students’ in-moment challenges and developing maker perspectives during problem-based digital making. Journal of Research on Technology in Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2021.1967817
  12. Cui, Z., & Ng, O. (2021). The interplay between mathematical and computational thinking in primary students’ mathematical problem-solving within a programming environment. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 59(5), 988–1012. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633120979930

Selected Conference Proceedings/Presentations:

  1. Ng, O. (2024, Jul). From programming-rich to AI-literate and data-science-enhanced mathematics education. Invited lecture at The 15th International Congress on Mathematical Education, Sydney.
  2. Ye, H., Ng, O., & Cui, Z. (2024, Jul). Multiple Pathways for Developing Solutions in Programming-based Mathematical Problem-solving Processes. The 15th International Congress on Mathematical Education, Sydney.
  3. Ng, O., Liang, B., Cui, Z., Ye, H., & Leung, W. L. (2024, Jul). Integration of computational thinking in K-12 mathematics education: Workshop on programming-based mathematical task designs. The 15th International Congress on Mathematical Education, Sydney.
  4. Cui, Z., Ng, O., & C. M. Koo. (2024). Learning coordinate geometry with Scratch: task design from an embodied and APOS approach. In T. Lowrie, A. Gutiérrez, & F. Emprin (Eds.), Proceedings of the 26th ICMI Study Conference (Advances in Geometry Education) (pp. 345-352). ICMI.
  5. Ye, H., Ng, O., & Cui, Z. (2023, Dec). A thematic analysis exploring flexibility in programming-based mathematical problem solving. The 31st International Conference on Computers in Education (ICCE 2023). Matsue, Japan.
  6. Tsoi, D., Chan, A., Law, M., Liu, A., Ho, T., Liang, B., & Ng, O. (2022, February). Integration of Programming, Problem Solving and Recreational Mathematics for a Computationally Enhanced Mathematics Education. Paper Presentation at Hong Kong Mathematics Education Conference 2021/22.
  7. Cui, Z., Ng, O., Jong, M. S. Y. (2021). Integration of programming-based tasks into mathematical problem-based learning. In M. M. T. Rodrigo et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 29th International Conference on Computers in Education. Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education.
  8. Cui, Z., Ng, O., Jong, M. S. Y., Weng, X., Cheung, A. (2021, September). Exploring middle school students’ in-moment engagement with online problem-based learning. The 25th Global Chinese Conference on Computers in Education

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