معرفی
Prof. Dr. Marco Thomas is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science Didactics at the University of Münster's Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. He has been actively contributing to computer science education research and practice for over two decades, with a particular focus on integrating computer science concepts into primary and secondary education. His work spans multiple research groups including AG Thomas, which focuses on context-oriented computer science teaching approaches.
Thomas's research interests primarily revolve around computer science education, with special emphasis on primary school computer science, context-oriented teaching methods, and the integration of informatics concepts across different subject areas. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on making computer science accessible and relevant to young learners through practical contexts like railway systems, ecological topics, and historical perspectives. He has developed numerous teaching materials and approaches that bridge the gap between theoretical computer science concepts and classroom practice.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward inclusive computer science education, with increasing focus on primary school implementation, teacher training, and the development of digital literacy from early educational stages. His work often combines theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications, particularly in the areas of automata theory for young learners, context-based learning environments, and the integration of computer science concepts into social studies and mathematics education.
- Women's Advancement Award of the University of Münster (2008)
- Reception with the Federal President (2001)
- Teacher Prize from Karl Heinz Beckurts Foundation (1998)
Professor Thomas has supervised numerous doctoral students including Daniel Meyer, Alexander Best, and Kensuke Akao, with research focusing on information concepts in related sciences, teacher beliefs about computer science, and blended learning approaches for teacher training. His research funding comes from diverse sources including university resources, the Ministry for Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Google University Program. He has led multiple significant projects including MWS (Münster Workshops on School Informatics) since 2012, loco (Railway as an informational context) since 2021, and MoMo (Modeling Models) since 2004.
Thomas leads the AG Thomas research group at the University of Münster, which operates from Robert-Koch-Str. 29. The group collaborates closely with other research groups including AG Greefrath and AG Shukaylov. They organize the annual Münster Workshop on School Informatics and have developed numerous OER materials for universities and computer science in primary schools. Their work environment emphasizes practical application of theoretical concepts through projects like Physical Computing and context-oriented building blocks for computer science education.
