Empirically Validated Strategies to Reduce Stereotype Threats in CS

A stereotype threat is when a person is at risk of confirming, as a self-characteristic, a negative stereotype about one's social group [Steele & Aronson, 1995]. 

In a Code.org CSD PD with middle school teachers, our conversations explored how even subtle aspects of classroom environments, such as the gender ratio of students in a class or posters associated with masculine CS stereotypes, can cause anxiety that affects the performance and academic engagement of females.  CSTA Standards for CS Teachers.  We also explored and discussed how stereotypes in CS detract females and students from underrepresented groups from pursuing CS and may also affect male students who do not fit this stereotype.

What other types of stereotype threats have you seen in CS? In your classrooms?

Empirically Validated Strategies to Reduce Stereotype Threat is a great resources to help you reduce stereotypes threats.