The Skills Gap

Imagine the scenario: Amy is learning to use Scratch, an educational coding tool. She must read and interpret instructions, follow a specific sequence, troubleshoot when things don’t go as planned, and ultimately execute a particular action—while reflecting on each step in the process. This sequence of activities helps develop the ability to read, comprehend, and act upon written instructions—key skills in literacy.

The need to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills is evident when we look at the concerning pass rates for co-requisite assessments in 2024. More than 100,000 students participated in this national standardized test, with over half of them in Year 10. According to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), the achievement rate in numeracy was just 55%, while Achievement in Reading and Writing ranged from 66% to 70%. Reading levels were slightly better, but still below what we would hope for at this stage in education.

The challenge, however, is identifying at which stage we need to intervene. Is the issue with the quality of our Early Childhood Education programs, or their implementation? Who is responsible—parents, teachers, schools, or the Ministry of Education? These are complex questions that take time to address. However, the statistics are undeniable, and the consequences for our children are far-reaching. It’s clear that we need a multi-pronged approach to this issue. Building foundational skills cannot rest solely on the shoulders of teachers and schools; other stakeholders also have a significant role to play, and there are many ways to support our children.

At Silverfern Robotics, we believe that coding and robotics can have a profound impact on developing both literacy and numeracy skills. These subjects offer interactive, hands-on learning experiences that are not only engaging but also educational. During the primary school years, children are forming their foundational skills, and coding and robotics can be powerful tools to support this development.

Literacy skills are cultivated in multiple ways through coding and robotics activities. Whether it's reading and comprehension, written communication, storytelling, vocabulary expansion, or enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, we believe that literacy improves when students apply themselves in a fun, interactive environment.

Equally, numeracy skills are seamlessly integrated into coding and robotics education. Early coding involves a variety of mathematical concepts, such as logical thinking, operations, data collection, measurement, and the use of algorithms and problem-solving strategies. These elements are introduced during the primary school phase, making them accessible and relevant. Many parents may not be aware of the benefits of a well-implemented EdTech curriculum, but when integrated into schools or clubs by passionate educators, it will have a lasting impact.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the world our children will navigate is one driven by technology, where the workplace requires individuals who are problem-solvers and critical thinkers. Too many students are falling behind in the foundational skills they need to succeed. Parents and schools that prioritise the language of Coding and robotics education recognise that every avenue must be used to develop literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking abilities. 

-Mark Naidoo