Courting the Uncommitted: Recruiting Undecided Women in Introductory Computing Courses to Computing Majors

• In Event: Persistence and Perceptions: Challenges Faced by Women and Girls in STEM

Abstract

ith a national focus on diversifying computing, undecided students represent an opportunity to recruit women and students of color to computing fields. Drawing on survey data, this study examines how undecided students’ experiences in introductory computing courses shape their plans to pursue a computing major. Findings suggest that peer support and instructor responsiveness shape undecided students’ decision to pursue a computing major. Women of color, in particular, experienced the introductory course environment differently than women from majority groups or men, underscoring the importance of student-centered pedagogy for women and underrepresented groups.

Authors

• Kathleen Lehman, University of California - Los Angeles

• Sarayu Sundar, University of California - Los Angeles