Broadening Participation in Computer Science by Helping Students Connect Computer Science to Their Lives (Poster 17)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 3:05 pm
  In Poster Session: Learning and Motivation in Social and Cultural Contexts: Highlighted Work

Abstract

The Exploring Computer Science (ECS) course is a primary strategy for broadening participation in the Chicago Public Schools. Flexibility is a core component of ECS that allows teachers to use their knowledge of students’ identities to adapt lessons. Exploring Connections to Computer Science (EC2CS) is designed to support teachers in developing an understanding of their students and using that knowledge to adapt ECS lessons. The results of an analysis of students’ perceptions of the connections between their lives and the lessons provide evidence that when teachers are successful at scaffolding students to make connections, students increase the value that they perceive in CS and in turn increase their interest in pursuing additional CS in the future.

Authors

• Steven McGee, The Learning Partnership

• Willow Kelleigh, The Learning Partnership

• Raisa Blazquez, Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative