Xinli Zhang
Papers
6
Total Citations
86
H-Index
5
About
Xinli Zhang is an educational technology researcher whose work sits at the intersection of robotics education, computational thinking, and early childhood learning. Specializing in K-12 and preschool contexts, Zhang has made significant contributions to understanding how young learners engage with programming and robotics, with a particular focus on making abstract computational concepts accessible to children. Among Zhang's most notable contributions is the development of innovative pedagogical approaches—including embodied learning-based programming and metaphor-based robot programming—that help young students grasp complex ideas while fostering positive learning behaviors and executive functions. Zhang's comparative research on unplugged versus robot programming activities offers valuable insights for educators designing developmentally appropriate curricula for preschoolers. Beyond instructional design, Zhang has also advanced the field's understanding of how children perceive robots themselves, employing creative methodologies such as the Draw-a-Robot Test across large samples of Chinese elementary students. With a growing body of work accumulating over 80 citations in just a few years, Zhang's research is rapidly gaining recognition as an important voice in the global conversation around computational thinking development, robotics education, and the cultivation of 21st-century skills in young learners.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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