Abstract

Computer Science (CS) education is being increasingly included in primary school curricula across New Zealand. As a group, Pasifika students are less likely to engage with CS at tertiary level and in the workforce, so understanding more about their engagement with school level CS seems important. A multiple case-study design was used to explore the nature of engagement with CS for six Year 7 and 8 Pasifika students. Data were collected via a drawing task, semi-structured interviews and observations of CS teaching sessions then analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Four themes emerged as important to participant engagement with CS: participation, reification, imagination and alignment. Additionally, several potential barriers and enablers were identified across three broad themes: access, perceptions and affect. Results highlight Pasifika students’ need for adequate access to CS education and intentional teaching around its purpose and relevance to their current and future identities.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.