An International Pilot Study of K-12 Teachers' Computer Science Self-Esteem

Abstract

Computer Science (CS) is a new subject area for many K-12 teachers around the world, requiring new disciplinary knowledge and skills. Teacher social-behavioral factors (e.g. self-esteem) have been found to impact learning and teaching, and a key part of CS curriculum implementation will need to ensure teachers feel confident to deliver CS. However, studies about CS teacher self-esteem are lacking. This paper presents an analysis of publicly available data (n=219) from a pilot study using a Teacher CS Self-Esteem scale. Analysis revealed significant differences, including 1) females reported significantly lower CS self-esteem than males, 2) primary teachers reported lower levels of CS self-esteem than secondary teachers, 3) those with no CS teaching experience reported significantly lower CS self-esteem, 4) teachers with 0-3 years experience had a negative CS self-esteem, but after four years, teachers had a positive CS self-esteem, and 5) teachers who lived further from metropolitan areas and in some countries reported lower CS self-esteem. These initial findings suggest a pressing need for future research to look further into teacher CS self-esteem to inform teacher CS professional development.

Exploring Programming Task Creation of Primary School Teachers in Training

“…This could support teachers regarding the frequently identified lack of time for planning and during computer science lessons [40,50], as for example reported in a recent study on the efficiency of automated hints for debugging Scratch programs [15]. Apart from timing issues, automated tools might also provide some support regarding the reported relatively low computer science self-esteem [47] and programming self-concept [13] of primary school teachers as "it is not only shown what is wrong or messy, but also what you have done well. That is motivating" (Trmt, P64) (i.e., it reports code perfumes [34]).…”

Computer Science in Schools: A Literature Mapping of Professional Development for In-Service Teachers

“…. These initial findings suggest a pressing need for future research to look further into teacher CS self-esteem to inform..." [29]. No replication studies were identified.…”

“…The research that is carried out can be in different phases. It may be research that aims to inform the design of PD interventions and programs [29]. Results from such studies can be used later when designing and implementing an intervention.…”