Secondary School Teachers' Conceptualization of Equity Issues in Computer Science Teaching and Learning

• In Event: 61.069 - MTCC Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: 61.069-6 - Technology Innovations in Teacher Development and Instructional Integration

Abstract

Effective and equitable Computer Science (CS) teaching is contingent on teachers' robust conceptualization of equity in CS classrooms. To this end, our study examined high school teachers' understanding of equity issues in CS education while attending a CS teacher certificate program. We evaluated the teacher's understanding of equity issues by conducting a content analysis of their equity reflection essays. The major themes emerged from the content analysis highlighted the impact of equitable practices on CS participation. This research demonstrates the role of a professional development program in promoting teachers' understanding of the equity issues in CS education and presents frameworks for examining teachers' conceptualization of equity.

Authors

• Ninger Zhou, University of California - Irvine

• Yucheng Cao, University of California - Irvine

• Sharin Rawhiya Jacob, University of California - Irvine

• Mark Warschauer, University of California - Irvine

• Debra Richardson, University of California - Irvine