Future-oriented motivation and retention in computer science

Markeya S. Peteranetz, Abraham E. Flanigan, Duane F. Shell, Leen Kiat Soh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Retaining students in computer science (CS) courses and majors is a concern for many undergraduate CS programs in the United States. A large proportion of students who initially declare a major in CS do not complete a CS degree. The impact of future-oriented motivational constructs such as career aspirations and future con-nectedness on retention has received relatively little research at-tention, but these are potential contributors to students' retention in CS courses. The purpose of this study was to investigate how future-oriented motivation related to CS students' retention in CS courses over three consecutive semesters. Students enrolled in CS courses (four 100-level courses, one 200-level course, three 300-level courses, and five 400-level courses) completed survey measures of future-oriented motivation, and course enrollment data were collected for the three semesters. Logistic regression was used to determine whether motivation variables could distin-guish between students who were enrolled in at least one CS course during a given semester and students who were not en-rolled in any CS courses. Results indicate that, across all three se-mesters, career aspirations and knowledge of CS career paths were associated with a greater likelihood of continuing to take CS courses, and stronger future connectedness was associated with a lower likelihood of continuing to take CS courses. Implications for CS educators are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSIGCSE 2018 - Proceedings of the 49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages350-355
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781450351034
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 21 2018
Event49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2018 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Feb 21 2018Feb 24 2018

Publication series

NameSIGCSE 2018 - Proceedings of the 49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
Volume2018-January

Other

Other49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period2/21/182/24/18

Keywords

  • Computer science education
  • Future time perspective
  • Future-oriented motiva-tion
  • Retention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • Education

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