Unpacking Computer Science Teaching Identity in K-12: The Crucial Role of Elementary Teachers and Equity

• In Event: Computer Science Education and Computational Thinking

Abstract

With increasing attention being paid to teaching computer science (CS) at the K-12 level and an increasing racial and gender disparity in CS fields, there is a critical need to equip teachers with the skills to teach and integrate CS into their classes. The primary purpose of this theoretical paper is to analyze studies that focus on teaching and learning CS, with a focus on the elementary level, to identify the gaps and needs of CS teaching identity development among elementary teachers. The data was collected through a systemic literature review. Findings show that there is a strong need for studies addressing equity in CS and, relatedly, supporting teachers’ CS teaching identity at the elementary level.

Authors

• Burak Sahin, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Katherine Wade-Jaimes, University of Nevada - Las Vegas