A retrieval practice tool can reduce the gender gap in computer science education

Presenter

Iman Yeckehzaare

PhD candidate

University of Michigan’s School of Information

Time and location

North Quad 4330, Wednesday (1:00-2:00) pm

Abstract

In an introductory computer programming course for non-majors, we implemented a retrieval practice tool and incentivized students to space and interleave their practice. Through a quasi-experimental study, we compared 509 female and 443 male students’ grades in three semesters where the tool was implemented with the previous three semesters without the practice tool. Our regression analysis shows that after controlling for student-level and semester-level influencers, the practice tool significantly reduced the gender gap in course grades.