Testing the efficacy of a near-peer mentoring model for recruiting youth into computer science

ABSTRACT

We developed a near-peer mentoring model for high school youth to mentor middle school youth on how to program using MIT App Inventor. The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the effectiveness of the near-peer mentoring model for the mentees and (b) how the mentees’ vicarious experience with the near-peer mentors led to changes in their self-efficacy in computer programming. Findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of the model in improving self-efficacy. A moderation analysis showed how mentor role modeling and perceived similarity contributed to the changes in self-efficacy. Explanations to the findings and their implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-efficacy
• near-peer mentoring
• similarity
• modeling
• vicarious experience
• computer programming

Acknowledgments

This study is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Grant #1614849. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed in this study are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or Utah State University. The authors also gratefully thank the following colleagues for their support in conducting the study and completing this manuscript: Vicki Allan, David F. Feldon, Katarina Pantic, and Frederick Poole.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chongning Sun

Chongning Sun has a doctoral degree in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, and is a full-time instructional designer at Indiana University Bloomington. His research interest focuses on Computer Science education (broadening partcipation in particular), and motivation (i.e., interest and self-efficacy)

Jody Clarke-Midura

Jody Clarke-Midura is an associate professor in the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences at Utah State University. Her research interest includes the design, research, and evaluation of digital media for learning and assessment.