Inclusion & Marginalization: How Perceptions of Design Thinking Pedagogy Influence Computer, Electrical, and Software Engineering Identity

Thumbnail Image
Date
2020-01-01
Authors
Doran, Erin
Martínez-Podolsky, Elizabeth
Hengesteg, Paul
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Authors
Person
Doran, Erin
Associate Professor
Person
Rodriguez, Sarah
Assistant Professor
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
School of EducationCenter for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
Abstract

Engineering identity plays a vital role in the persistence of engineering students, yet limited research exists on how particular pedagogical approaches influence engineering identity at the college level. This qualitative case study explored how undergraduate student perceptions of design thinking pedagogy influence computer, electrical, and software engineering identity. The study found that design thinking pedagogy reinforces the recognition of an engineering identity, particularly for those from historically marginalized groups (i.e., women, people of color). Intentional implementation, including organization and framing of design thinking pedagogy, was an essential foundation for fostering student interest in the course and connecting to their role as engineers. This study suggests that design thinking is a fruitful area to explore to create more inclusive engineering environments. This study’s findings will assist educational stakeholders in understanding the design thinking pedagogy and engineering identity experiences of CES undergraduate engineering majors. Findings may encourage institutions to view the engineering curriculum in terms of identity development and understand how intersectional identities influence the ways students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, experience the environment.

Comments

This article is published as Rodriguez, Sarah L., Erin E. Doran, Rachel E. Friedensen, Elizabeth Martínez-Podolsky, and Paul S. Hengesteg. "Inclusion & Marginalization: How Perceptions of Design Thinking Pedagogy Influence Computer, Electrical, and Software Engineering Identity." International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology 8, no. 4 (2020): 304-317. DOI: 10.46328/ijemst.v8i4.952. Posted with permission.

Description
Keywords
Citation
DOI
Copyright
Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2020
Collections