Gender and Computer Science: Factors Influencing a Sense of Belonging in High School Courses

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Ten
  In Roundtable Session: Gender and Other Factors Impacting Student Interest and Achievement in Computing and Engineering Education (Table 6)

Abstract

Drawing upon interviews with high school students in computer science courses, this paper highlights the factors that promote and challenge a sense of belonging for students, particularly females. Elements of course pedagogy and having a quality relationship with a female teacher were related to positive experiences and a sense of belonging for female students. Male students generally appreciated these aspects of the courses, but they had little association with their sense of belonging in a course or in the field of computer science. Despite quality experiences in their introductory CS courses and a developed sense of belonging in these courses, females were more likely to have reservations about a future in the field of computer science than their male peers.

Author

• Jesse Moya, Siena College
  Presenting Author