Researchers on the College of Studying, with colleagues at King’s Faculty London, have uncovered a extra nuanced view of what makes an ‘very best’ pc science scholar, difficult long-held stereotypes of geeky, intelligent, detail-oriented males, who lack social abilities.
The analysis, revealed in Instructional Evaluation, analysed round 9000 responses from over 3,000 secondary faculty college students aged 11-16 in England. Whereas intelligence was nonetheless seen as essential, the examine discovered that younger folks worth a a lot wider vary of traits in pc science college students, together with creativity and collaboration.
Professor Billy Wong, College of Studying, stated: “That is excellent news for widening participation in pc science training. Stereotypes exist for a cause however generally is a highly effective deterrent to participation by some underrepresented teams. Our findings present that younger folks recognise the significance of being educated and hardworking in pc science, they usually additionally worth softer traits corresponding to creativity and collaboration. This challenges the favored stereotype of pc scientists as merely being ‘intelligent’ however socially challenged.”
Key findings embody:
– Eight primary clusters of traits have been recognized: Sensible & Intelligent; Educated & ; Decided & Hardworking; Variety & Useful; Inventive; Impartial; Assured; and Collaborative.
– College students aspiring to careers in pc science have been extra more likely to worth numerous traits past simply intelligence.
– Women have been extra more likely to describe the best pc science scholar as unbiased, however much less more likely to describe them as sort and useful.
– College students from much less advantaged backgrounds have been extra more likely to give attention to intelligence as the important thing trait.
Professor Wong added: “These insights can assist educators and policymakers promote a extra inclusive picture of pc science. By highlighting the varied abilities valued within the area, we are able to encourage extra younger folks to see themselves as potential pc scientists.”
The examine is a part of the SCARI computing mission, a three-year examine funded by the Nuffield Basis. It goals to grasp elements shaping participation and efficiency in pc science training, with a give attention to addressing the underrepresentation of women within the area.