Researchers on the College of Studying, with colleagues at King’s School London, have uncovered a extra nuanced view of what makes an ‘ultimate’ pc science scholar, difficult long-held stereotypes of geeky, intelligent, detail-oriented males, who lack social expertise.
The analysis, printed in Academic Overview, analysed round 9000 responses from over 3,000 secondary college college students aged 11-16 in England. Whereas intelligence was nonetheless seen as necessary, the research 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 motive 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 akin to creativity and collaboration. This challenges the favored stereotype of pc scientists as merely being ‘intelligent’ however socially challenged.”
Key findings embody:
– Eight major clusters of traits have been recognized: Good & Intelligent; Educated & ; Decided & Hardworking; Type & 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.
– Ladies have been extra more likely to describe the best pc science scholar as impartial, however much less more likely to describe them as form and useful.
– College students from much less advantaged backgrounds have been extra more likely to deal with intelligence as the important thing trait.
Professor Wong added: “These insights will help educators and policymakers promote a extra inclusive picture of pc science. By highlighting the varied expertise valued within the area, we are able to encourage extra younger folks to see themselves as potential pc scientists.”
The research is a part of the SCARI computing undertaking, a three-year research funded by the Nuffield Basis. It goals to grasp components shaping participation and efficiency in pc science training, with a deal with addressing the underrepresentation of women within the area.