ANTROHOOS
EN

Pilot phase · 2024–2025

GITAHEN CODING CLUBS

An extracurricular program for senior students — mathematics and algorithmic thinking.

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About the program

Gitahen curriculum

The «Gitahen» coding club program is designed as a curriculum for senior students, as it focuses on an educational methodology that develops both mathematical and algorithmic thinking.

The program lasts 2 semesters or 1 academic year. It is recommended to hold at least 2 class hours per week, and when possible to add extra hours for especially interested students.

Video

Watch the program

The program goals are

  • Develop computational thinking skills through problem decomposition, pattern recognition, and the formation of algorithmic thinking.

  • Apply computational thinking to analyze and solve real-world problems.

  • Encourage learners to design and implement complex problems that require innovative solutions, without needing deep knowledge of high-level syntactic programming languages.

  • Improve digital literacy skills, understand their opportunities and limitations, algorithmic methods, and computational models.

  • Apply deep mathematical concepts to design, visualize, present, and analyze efficient algorithms for solving problems.

Learning content

The learning content consists of the following topics:

  • Mathematical graphs
  • Mathematical statistics
  • Linear regression
  • Interpolation polynomial
  • Number sequences
  • Histogram
  • Graphs
  • Database
  • Introduction to machine learning
  • Introduction to neural networks
  • Graduation project

The Aylagir coding competition served as the basis for developing the program content. You can learn more about the Aylagir competition here: Aylagir.

Integration

Integration in RA general education schools

Through the introduction of the «Gitahen» coding club, we seek to create an educational environment where every learner will be ready to face the challenges of science and technology at the personal, community, and state levels through data-driven decision-making, and will also have the opportunity to develop their skills and competencies and contribute to the decentralized development of technology.

«Synthesizing knowledge and values»

The club operates on the following 4 principles:

  • a. Development of skills and competencies

    We strengthen the skills and competencies of learners that will help them face the challenges arising from upcoming developments in the fields of technology (artificial intelligence, quantum computers).

  • b. Joint development of knowledge and values

    We strengthen in learners the joint development and preservation of knowledge, skills, and Armenian/universal human values. We strive to form individuals who can integrate scientific innovations with their cultural and human values, thus creating harmonious and responsible professionals.

  • c. Development of research and data-driven forecasting capabilities

    We enhance research, data-driven forecasting/decision-making, and planning capabilities through engagement with real-life problems and by creating a healthy competitive environment.

  • d. Application of innovative methods

    We offer innovative approaches to learning (teaching methodology, competitions, camps, and other activities) through which learners can learn science-based coding, develop algorithmic thinking, and apply it in various fields.

Stages

Program implementation phases

The program was developed by the ANTROHOOS Educational Foundation and received a positive conclusion and endorsement from the MESCS and NCET on April 23, 2024.

Program rollout began in September 2024. The 2024–2025 academic year is provisionally designated as a pilot period.

School selection

For the pilot phase of the program, 5 schools were selected based on the requirement that a school must meet the following criteria:

  • Involvement of a teacher/specialist with deep knowledge of mathematics (engineer-teacher).
  • Presence of middle and senior grade students (grades 7 to 12).
  • Ensuring student engagement (2 groups, 8 students in each group).
  • A classroom adapted to the educational environment (lighting, sanitary conditions, furniture, blackboard, heating).
  • Working internet access (wired or wireless).
  • Availability of ICT tools (at least 5 computers, a screen or projector).
Engineer-teacher selection requirements
  • Education — preferably in computer science or natural sciences.
  • Teaching experience; teachers with STEM subject teaching experience are preferred.
  • Algorithmic thinking and its application.
  • Knowledge of graphical programming languages (e.g. Snap!, Scratch, Aghues) and practical experience with them.
  • Pedagogical and methodological skills.
  • A constructive and friendly approach — to learn, explore, and experiment.
  • Full implementation of real-world and life projects.
  • Phased teaching, gradual complexity, guidance, and discovery.
  • Differentiated and individualized teaching.
  • Game-based learning and creating links with other subjects.
  • Technical problem-solving skills and a creative approach.
  • A drive to sow interest and love for science among students.
  • Willingness to develop and implement innovative, science-oriented courses.
  • Skills in organizing and managing club work.
  • Skills in organizing teamwork and collaboration among students.
Engineer-teacher trainings

After teacher selection, trainings are conducted regardless of the teacher's skills and knowledge.

  • The total duration of training is ~40 hours. Training is delivered in 2 stages.
  • Trainings are conducted by the ANTROHOOS Educational Foundation in an in-person format.
  • Participation in training is free; only teachers from schools included in the program may participate.
Club launch

Clubs launch when the following points have been completed:

  • A memorandum between the Foundation and the school has been signed.
  • The thematic plan has been approved by the Foundation and the school.
  • The engineer-teacher has been trained and placed (stage 1).
  • The engineer-teacher has been tariffed.
  • The groups have been formed.
  • The timetable has been prepared.
  • The classroom is available or properly equipped.
  • Students have been informed.
  • Parents have been informed.

Schools

Selected schools and program launch

For the pilot phase, 5 general education schools and 1 private non-formal education center under the Gyumri Development Foundation were selected. The program has been introduced in both rural and urban basic, high, and secondary schools.

Teachers have been trained, and since September 2024 club classes have started in all 5 schools.

Clubs operate in school informatics or ICT laboratories, after compulsory subject class hours.

Students use the University of Berkeley snap.berkeley.edu block-based coding platform. The program interface has been translated into Armenian by the Antrohoos Educational Foundation, while the scientific blocks are still being localized.

The developed educational content has free license rights for use and distribution.

  • Teacher's methodological guide
  • Teacher's lesson slides
  • Student's handbook
  • Complex project handbook
  • Theoretical materials
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  • ԹԱԼԻՆԻ ԱՎԱԳ ԴՊՐՈՑ Engineer-teacher ԼԱԼԱ ԽՈՒՐՇՈՒԴՅԱՆ
  • ԵՐԵՎԱՆԻ ԹԻՎ 143 ՀԻՄՆԱԿԱՆ ԴՊՐՈՑ Engineer-teacher ՆԱԶԻԿ ՍԱՐՈՅԱՆ

Monitoring and program expansion

After the pilot phase, the club program will expand and develop in both content and territorial directions. In terms of content, the integration of simple robotics devices (computer vision) and the use of developed learning materials in other educational programs are planned. Within territorial expansion, priority will be given to regional and area expansion (Javakhk), as well as activity and cooperation on international platforms through a franchising model.

Since the start of the pilot phase, the Antrohoos Educational Foundation has been carrying out a range of monitoring activities to ensure the program's effectiveness and continuous development. These include monthly content reporting processes by teachers, questionnaires and focus groups, student satisfaction surveys, visits, informational meetings, and monitoring of various activity indicators.