Communications of the ACM
Computer 'Geek' Stereotype Puts Girls Off Subject
A report by the U.K. Council for the Curriculum, Examinations, and Assessment (CCEA) found culturally promulgated stereotyping of computing is discouraging female students from pursuing the discipline.
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The U.K. Council for the Curriculum, Examinations, and Assessment (CCEA) found culturally promulgated stereotyping of computing as "a male-oriented domain consisting of anti-social 'nerds, geeks, or hackers,'" is discouraging female students from pursuing the discipline.
The council identified such stereotypes as including the perception of girls as being less skilled at math and technology, and less equipped for intricate work, than boys.
The CCEA study also determined some girls have "computer anxiety," with the field presented as being outside their comfort zone, even if they regularly use social media.
The council suggested remedial strategies, including promotion of "relatable, realistic" female role models, greater collaboration between schools and technology firms, having educators counter negative stereotypes in the classroom, and making the computing curriculum more appealing to girls.
From BBC News
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