ERIC Number: EJ1451178
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0899 3408
EISSN: EISSN-1744-5175
Available Date: N/A
In-School and/or Out-of-School Computer Science Learning Influence on CS Career Interests, Mediated by Having Role-Models
Chen Chen; Jonathan Rothwell; Pedrito Maynard-Zhang
Computer Science Education, v34 n4 p753-777 2024
Background and Context: Both in- and out-of-school computer science (CS) learning opportunities are expanding, but their influences on CS career interests are unclear. Method: To investigate, we applied multinomial propensity score weighting analysis on a 2021 U.S. nationally representative sample of 4,116 5th-to-12th-grade students. Findings: The odds of expressing CS career interest increase by 171%, 94%, and 40%, respectively, when students pursue CS learning both in and out-of-school, out-of-school only, and in-school only. These effects were similar across race/ethnicity but stronger for girls. Out-of-school learning was the strongest predictor of having CS role-models, though each experience was positive. One third of the effect of both and about half of the effect of each separately were mediated by having CS role models. Implications: Our findings suggest that domain-focused learning experiences are generally effective in shaping career interests, and out-of-school learning, specifically, may enhance exposure to role models.
Descriptors: Informal Education, Computer Science Education, Influences, Vocational Interests, Role Models, Middle School Students, High School Students, Gender Differences, Student Experience, Racial Differences, Public Schools, Private Schools, Schools, Differences
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A