Computer Science for All: Role of Gender in Middle School Student Perceptions About Programming

• In Event: 52.026 - Emerging Computer Science Research From K–12 Contexts

Abstract

The gender gap in computer science is worst amongst any of the STEM fields. At the secondary school level, only 18.6% of AP computer science test-takers in the United States were girls. In order to address the persistent gender gaps in computer science, it is important to understand K-12 students’ views about computer science and programming. The present study examined middle school students’ perceptions and affective attitudes towards programming. Results suggested that male students were more likely than their female peers to view programming as being interesting and easier to learn. Male students were also significantly more likely to feel that programming was an exciting and relaxing enterprise. We discuss the implications of these findings for computer science in schools.

Authors

• Aman Yadav, Michigan State University

• Sarah Gretter, Michigan State University

• Jonathon Good, Michigan State University