Culturally Relevant Computer Science Lessons in Elementary Classrooms

What is it about?

The purpose of this work is to support elementary teachers to develop culturally relevant curricular materials that integrate computer science (CS). This poster presents preliminary results of the second year of a professional development (PD) workshop that was codeveloped by a Researcher-Practitioner Partnership (RPP) that includes a non-profit organization, two university partners, and two school districts. RPPs empower teachers to work with researchers to provide meaningful PD opportunities. The purpose of this revised PD workshop was to help 3rd-5th grade teachers develop culturally relevant lesson plans that integrate CS. Teacher-leaders created tools to support the development of culturally relevant CS lessons. We present these tools and their use with a new cohort of teachers.

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Why is it important?

Research demonstrates that elementary teachers need opportunities to learn CS concepts, while concurrently building pedagogical skills associated with CS. Teachers also need support to leverage students’ cultural identities and resources within CS activities.