A welcoming environment is one where there is an authentic sense of connection; students feel respected and valued in the classroom. Computing, unfortunately, has become associated with a very specific niche that can often lead to stereotype threat. This can be mitigated by providing your students with a welcoming environment that builds confidence and by showing them relatable role models working in the CS field. Developing a sense of belonging in a CS classroom/career will help boost motivation. A welcoming environment is a key pillar, if they don't feel like they belong, students are less motivated in the course and less likely to take future CS courses.
"Independent of other factors, a sense of belonging in the field of computing was a significant predictor of working or majoring in computer science or computer engineering in our sample" -- NCWIT, Learning from Young Women
Check out ideas for virtual classroom decor for CS and tech educators from NCWIT (includes webinar and slides).
Mazingira ya kukaribisha ni moja ambapo kuna hisia halisi ya uhusiano; wanafunzi kuhisi kuheshimiwa na thamani katika darasa. Kwa bahati mbaya, kompyuta imekuwa kuhusishwa na niche maalum sana ambayo mara nyingi inaweza kusababisha tishio stereotype. Hii inaweza kupunguzwa kwa kuwapa wanafunzi wako mazingira ya kukaribisha ambayo hujenga ujasiri na kwa kuwaonyesha mifano inayofaa ya kazi katika uwanja wa CS. Kuendeleza hisia ya kuwa na sehemu katika darasa la CS au kazi itasaidia kuongeza motisha. Mazingira ya kukaribisha ni nguzo muhimu, ikiwa hawajui kama wanahusika, wanafunzi ni chini ya kuhamasishwa katika kozi na uwezekano mdogo wa kuchukua kozi za CS za baadaye. "Kuna uwezekano mkubwa kwamba mtu ambaye ana uzoefu wa kufanya kazi katika uwanja wa kompyuta au uhandisi wa kompyuta katika sampuli yetu - NCWIT, ""Kujifunza kutoka kwa Wanawake Vijana"" - atapata nafasi ya kufanya kazi katika uwanja wa kompyuta na uhandisi wa kompyuta."