The Bebras Challenge, a global initiative designed to introduce computational thinking to students, has officially arrived in Malta.
This exciting challenge, organised by ComputationalThinking.mt, saw its first local edition between November 2024 and this month, with over 2,500 students from various schools participating enthusiastically.
With the support of the Department of Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills, which actively promoted the initiative and provided assistance to teachers who volunteered for the challenge, the programme has already had a meaningful impact on both students and educators.
The Bebras Challenge has been running internationally since 2004 and is now held in over 30 countries. It aims to inspire students to explore the world of computing and problem-solving through engaging and thought-provoking activities.
Each participant is given 45 minutes to solve 15 multiple-choice questions, focusing on computational and logical thinking skills. Conducted online in schools, the challenge provides valuable insights into students’ and schools’ skill levels in these crucial areas.
Behind ComputationalThinking.mt are academics from the Faculty of Education, Diane Vassallo and Leonard Busuttil, and the Faculty of ICT, Christian Colombo and Vanessa Camilleri.
Vassallo and Busuttil attended the 20th International Bebras Workshop in Serbia in May 2024, where academics and educational experts from around the world gathered to collaborate on Bebras Challenge tasks. Notably, Malta created tasks that were included in the challenge, marking an important milestone for the nation’s involvement in this global initiative.
“It’s incredible to see students so engaged with activities that require deep thinking and creative problem-solving”
In Malta, the challenge was organised using the Ville platform, a Finnish tool designed to facilitate interactive learning experiences. Students were divided into six age categories: Kits (6-8 years), Castors (8-10 years), Benjamins (10-12 years), Cadets (12-14 years), Juniors (14-16 years), and Seniors (16-18 years). This structure ensured that tasks were tailored to the developmental stage of each group, making the experience both challenging and enjoyable.
The first edition in Malta received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, teachers and organisers.
One teacher remarked: “It’s incredible to see students so engaged with activities that require deep thinking and creative problem-solving. The Bebras Challenge has truly captured their imagination and enthusiasm.”
To add an extra layer of motivation, organisers incorporated a gamification element into the challenge. Students who placed first, second and third in each age category will be awarded trophies and certificates, alongside their schools, to celebrate their achievements. This recognition not only highlights individual success but also fosters a sense of community and school pride.
The challenge’s introduction aligns closely with Malta’s Digital Literacy Strategy, which emphasises the importance of equipping students with 21st-century skills such as computational thinking, critical analysis and problem-solving.
By engaging students at a young age, the Bebras Challenge is helping to lay a strong foundation for future learning and careers in technology.
While computational thinking can be challenging, this initiative serves as a crucial first step in equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Besides the Bebras Challenge, further initiatives are in the pipeline to ensure that Malta remains at the forefront of educational innovation. These efforts aim to steadily grow the computational thinking skills of our students, fostering a new generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
Looking ahead, the success of the inaugural edition has set the stage for future growth. Organisers are already planning to expand the initiative in 2025, with a goal of involving even more students and schools.
“This is just the beginning,” said a representative from ComputationalThinking.mt.
“We hope to make the Bebras Challenge an annual event that every student looks forward to, providing opportunities for all to develop critical skills in a fun and engaging way.”
Moving forward, the organisers aim to grow the ComputationalThinking.mt community by encouraging more teachers to join and actively participate in creating tasks for future challenges. This collaborative effort will help the initiative continue to flourish and ensure its long-term success, further inspiring Malta’s next generation of digital thinkers.
More information can be found here.
