Building Excitement About Computer Programming

Grade 11 Computer Science 

Computers Studies teacher Sang Lee has an unusual problem. Typically, teachers are challenged to build excitement about computer studies among girls. According to a recent study, Computing whether she belongs: Stereotypes undermine girls’ interest and sense of belonging in computer science, computer science has one of the lowest percentages of women among the STEM fields. In 2016, women accounted for only 18% of recipients of bachelors’ degrees in this field.

Sang has the opposite problem. “My students are getting too excited and motivated!” he said. “After just 24 hours of instruction, they are going over the top and creating their own projects! Take a look at the calculator Jazz made (also see below).”

See the Pen Jazz Calculator by Sang Moo Lee (@leesan11) on CodePen.

Citations:

Master, A., Cheryan, S., & Meltzoff, A. N. (2016). Computing whether she belongs: Stereotypes undermine girls’ interest and sense of belonging in computer science. Journal of educational psychology, 108(3), 424.

Sawyer, K. S. (2008). Optimizing learning: Implications of learning sciences research. Directorate for Education, Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) Governing Board.