CS-LISTEN: Students as Active Change-Makers in Research-Practice Partnerships

• In Event: Research-Practice Partnerships for Educational Transformation

Abstract

Objective and Frameworks
The CS-LISTEN National Science Foundation (NSF) RPP is housed within the Center for Research in Education Equity Assessment & Teaching Excellence (CREATE) at UC San Diego. For 23 years, CREATE has housed trusted long-standing partnerships with districts, schools, and local educators. Additionally, this project catalyzes students as partners in this RPP through Youth-Participatory-Action-Research (YPAR).
Methods
CS-LISTEN’s RPP meets with four districts’ and school-level administrative leaders (quarterly), ten high school teachers (weekly), and 112 participating students (weekly) at schools. YPAR methodology allows CS-LISTEN Student Co-Researchers (SCRs) to work alongside teachers and CREATE researchers to gather data and research their schools/peers as to why many underrepresented students do not participate in CS classes. SCR teams designed nine unique research questions and surveys, collected data, and conducted analysis. Next, SCRs reported findings and recommendations to school and district leaders, and designed, coordinated, and led Action Cycles to increase CS participation at schools. In Action Cycles, students, with CS-lead teachers, have enacted recommendations in virtual projects including coding bootcamps, hackathons, promotional materials, presentations to district and school administrators, etc.

Results
Preliminary findings from RPP member interviews reveal that CS-LISTEN student RPP members have helped to expose broadening participation in CS (BPC) issues in novel ways with substantial gains in CS course enrollment. This is especially true among underrepresented populations. Students as active changemakers in this study have also yielded increased awareness of CS learning opportunities, including the revitalization of coding clubs, counselor awareness, additional CS courses, and many more.
Significance
This study shows how students can act as changemakers within RPP structures to catalyze equity in schools and districts. We share best methodologies, practices and strategies for designing and implementing YPAR as an RPP arm to improve more equitable student engagement and outcomes in computer science.

Authors

• Beth Simon, University of California - San Diego

• Susan S. Yonezawa, University of California - San Diego

• Minhtuyen Mai, University of California - San Diego

• Kirk D. Rogers, California State University - Dominguez Hills

• Caesar Aceituno, UC San Diego