A Physical Computing Professional Development Study: Examining Differences in Male and Female Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Computing (Evaluation, Diversity)

Abstract

Current P-12 science [1] and engineering education [2] standards call for the integration of computational thinking (CT) within authentic, design-based engineering contexts [3][4][5]. Physical computing has been proposed as a viable option for applying CT concepts through the engineering design process [6][7][8]. In addition, some studies have found that physical computing design challenges can influence female students' attitudes toward computing and engineering (e.g., e-textile activities have been found to be more engaging to female students). However, there is limited research examining the influence that physical computing professional development (PD) has on U.S. educators, especially regarding differences between male and female teachers. Therefore, this study investigated how male and female teachers' attitudes toward computing differed after participating in a physical computing PD experience.The Computing Attitude Questionnaire (CAQ) [9] was used to examine the computing attitudes of 37 (13 males and 24 females) grades 4-8 educators. The results revealed that male and female teachers reported significant increases across numerous attitude constructs. Unlike male participants, females reported significant increases in their comfort with physical computing and attitude toward applying physical computing in their classes. However, when comparing the gains reported by males and females, there were no significant differences between the two groups. Supplemental post-survey questions revealed that while most participants indicated they plan to integrate more physical computing concepts within their courses, no significant differences existed between male and female teachers' intentions to integrate such concepts. This study contributes to the limited literature on P-12 physical computing research within the U.S. It has implications for improving physical computing PD efforts offered by higher education institutions and engineering education programs. Moreover, it provides some insight into males' and females' attitudes toward physical computing, which can help inform the planning of future physical computing design challenges and PD opportunities.