ERIC Number: EJ1451206
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0899 3408
EISSN: EISSN-1744-5175
Examining Gender Difference in the Use of ScratchJr in a Programming Curriculum for First Graders
Computer Science Education, v34 n4 p864-885 2024
Background and Context: Historically, women have been underrepresented in computer science. To address this gender gap, researchers advocate for high-quality computer science programs for early childhood. Objectives: This study examines gender differences in coding performance before and after implementing a 24-lesson visual programming curriculum using ScratchJr. The curriculum's key features are summarized based on teachers' observations of student reactions. Method: Using a mixed methods approach, the study employs quantitative analysis to assess gender differences in pre and post assessments, while qualitative analysis explores the impact of the curriculum on girls' and boys' coding performance. Findings: The findings reveal comparable coding proficiency between boys and girls. Teacher interviews highlight aspects of the curriculum that reduced gender stereotypes, such as student engagement, autonomy, debugging practice, and collaborative exploration. Implications: Policymakers should prioritize high-quality computer science programs in early childhood to combat gender-interest stereotypes and promote confidence, emotional strengths, perseverance, and collaboration through open-ended coding projects.
Descriptors: Gender Differences, Grade 1, Elementary School Students, Programming, Computer Science Education, Computer Software, Curriculum Implementation, Learner Engagement, Personal Autonomy, Troubleshooting, Cooperative Learning, Educational Technology, Visual Aids, Public Schools, Rural Schools, Urban Schools
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: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Grade 1; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Department of Education (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Arkansas; Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: U411C220202