Using Balanced Identity Design to Study Computer Science Identity Development Among High School Girls

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: Engineering and Computer Science Attitudes and Identity Development

Abstract

A computer science degree is a gateway to many lucrative careers. Building a strong science identity is critical to sustaining students on a scientific career trajectory; however, there has been little research on computer science identity development, especially for female students. We use Balanced Identity Design to examine the impact of a 10-week after-school coding program on 74 predominantly Latina high school girls. During the program, the girls’ computer science identity and interest in pursuing a computer science degree increased significantly. By the end, the girls began to implicitly associate computer science more readily with themselves than others, while holding a robust gender identity, demonstrating that girls can build a strong computer science identity without compromising their gender identity.

Authors

• Anna Woodcock, California State University - San Marcos

• Youwen Ouyang, California State University - San Marcos

• Moses Keya Ochanji, California State University - San Marcos

• Lisa Kaczmarczyk, Lisa Kaczmarczyk Consulting LLC

• Alondra Calva, California State University - San Marcos

• Kyra Terry, California State University - San Marcos