PREDICTORS OF FEMALE AND MALE COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS' GRADES

Abstract

This study investigated gender differences in predictors of computer science (CS) grades with the goal of assembling a profile of CS majors who do well in their courses. This research found that oftentimes what is beneficial for female majors also aids males' performance. For male and female majors alike, intrinsic motivation, being emotionally healthy, and experiencing little stress predicted high CS grades. Both males and females thrived academically when they had excellent instructors using good pedagogical practices. However, several predictors of CS grades were gender-specific. Female majors with positive stereotypes about CS students, who had had female computer teachers in middle school, felt interconnected with others, felt that peers are not cliquish, and perceived that faculty treat female students equitably had higher CS grades than female majors who scored lower on these variables. Overall, female majors' grades could be predicted more accurately than males' grades. Interestingly, previous computer experience was not related to CS grades. This knowledge can be harnessed to provide an optimal environment for all students, especially females, to enhance their CS course performance, and ultimately to increase retention in the major.