Gender differences in students’ experiences in computing education in the United States

This paper presents the experiences and perceptions of undergraduate computer science and computer engineering students from Minority Serving Institutions with regard to the classes, teachers, academic advisors, and teaching assistants within their programs. It is based on 150 in-depth interviews with female and male students, members of five major ethnic/racial groups (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian). It shows that significant differences exist between female and male students with respect to their perceptions of classes, teachers, and advisors. Both male and female students noted their dissatisfaction with teaching assistants. The paper concludes with suggestions regarding policy directions to improve the situation for female students.

Gender differences in students’ experiences in computing education in the United States

  • Author Varma, Roli; Hahn, Heiko
  • Publication Title International Journal Of Engineering Education
  • Publication Year 2007
  • BPC Focus Gender, Underrepresented Racial/Ethnic Groups, Black/African American Students, Latinx/Hispanic, Native American Students
  • Methodology Qualitative, Multi-institution
  • Analytic Method Chi-square/Contingency Table
  • Institution Type Minority Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges, Universities/Predominantly Black Institutions, Tribal Colleges/Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions
  • DOI https://inesweb.org/files/IJEE%20CS%20Program.pdf
  • URL https://inesweb.org/files/IJEE%20CS%20Program.pdf