Blogs (19) >>
Fri 17 Mar 2023 11:35 - 12:00 at 801A - K-12: Identity in High Schools Chair(s): Elizabeth Bacon

Previous research on belonging in computer science offers insights into the role that stereotypes play in reducing females’ sense of belonging or fit in computer science (CS), which has been associated with their significant underrepresentation in the field. Drawing upon mixed methods (surveys and interviews), this study explores the quantitative variables associated with a sense of belonging for females in high school CS courses and provides qualitative insights from students to help explain why these factors matter. Pre/post survey analysis indicates that the courses are contributing to reducing pre-course gender gaps in students’ perceived efficacy and belonging in a CS classroom. The surveys also suggest that females were more engaged and developed stronger relationships with teachers. And yet, females’ commitments to continuing with CS had no statistically significant changes. Student interviews provide important context regarding the quantitative findings and describe how positive relationships with a female teacher, collaborative work and inclusive teaching practices played key roles in promoting a classroom sense of belonging for females. Overall, these results suggest that an academically engaging and socioemotionally supportive experience in a computer science course can reduce gender gaps and foster females’ sense of belonging in the classroom even if they retain some reservations over their long-term fit in the field. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the factors that promote equitable experiences for females in CS and the relationship between classroom level belonging and long-term fit in computer science.

Fri 17 Mar

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10:45 - 12:00
K-12: Identity in High SchoolsPapers at 801A
Chair(s): Elizabeth Bacon CoderZ
10:45
25m
Paper
Centering Minoritized Students’ Perspectives: What Makes CS Learning Consequential K12In-Person
Papers
Wei Wei University of California, Los Angeles, Jean Ryoo UCLA Computer Science Equity Project, Alicia Morris Los Angeles Unified School District
DOI
11:10
25m
Paper
Defining a “Computer Science Person” and the Pedagogical Practices Supporting Positive Identification for Minoritized YouthK12In-Person
Papers
Jean Ryoo UCLA Computer Science Equity Project, Kendrake Tsui Google
DOI
11:35
25m
Paper
“I Can Do That Too”: Factors Influencing a Sense of Belonging for Females in High School Computer Science ClassroomsK12In-PersonGlobal
Papers
Jesse Moya Siena College, Robin Flatland Siena College, James Matthews Siena College, Pauline White Siena College, Stacey Hansen University at Albany, MaryAnne Egan Siena College
DOI