ERIC Number: EJ1271957
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0899 3408
EISSN: N/A
Racial Hierarchy and Masculine Space: Participatory In/Equity in Computational Physics Classrooms
Shah, Niral; Christensen, Julie A.; Ortiz, Nickolaus A.; Nguyen, Ai-Khanh; Byun, Sunghwan; Stroupe, David; Reinholz, Daniel L.
Computer Science Education, v30 n3 p254-278 2020
Background and Context: Computing is being integrated into a range of STEM disciplines. Still, computing remains inaccessible to many minoritized groups, especially girls and certain people of color. In this mixed methods study, we investigated racial and gendered patterns of equity and inequity in high school physics classrooms incorporating computational modeling, with an emphasis on group work. Objective: The objectives of this study were: 1) to document equity patterns in student participation and how they vary based on group composition by race and gender; and 2) to understand how discourses of race and gender influence group interactions. Method: We used the EQUIP web app (https://www.equip.ninja) to analyze quantitative patterns in student participation. We then identified video of three group sessions and analyzed how discourses of race and gender mediated classroom interactions. Findings: Data show that racial hierarchies were prominent, with White students dominating group interaction and Black and Latinx students experiencing substantial marginalization. While there was evidence of gender equity in many groups -- particularly those with greater proportions of girls -- we show how computing and physics were still maintained as masculine spaces. Implications: Teachers of computing should intentionally structure learning environments to attenuate the impact of White supremacy and patriarchy. More research is also needed on how power operates in computing education at the level of classroom interaction.
Descriptors: Physics, Science Instruction, Gender Differences, Equal Education, Disadvantaged, Minority Group Students, Racial Differences, High School Students, Computer Software, Student Participation, Group Dynamics, Video Technology, Hispanic American Students, African American Students, Masculinity, Classroom Communication, Power Structure, Computer Science Education, Teaching Methods, Advanced Placement
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: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1741575