OK, final excerpt from the 'Kicking Butt…" (I promise!):
When we compared our findings to the 1995-1999 studies we found some attitudes were much the same but we also found some significant changes. Most notably we found that the perspectives of our students were often more alike than different. In particular the pre-1999 gender divide with men “dreaming in code” and women “computing with a purpose” was blurred. We also saw students whose views of their field had broadened quite dramatically from seeing CS as programming to seeing the field reflecting an exciting range of possibilities. What was most encouraging was that the self-doubt and the lack of confidence that had previously dominated women’s experiences in CS (as chronicled in Unlocking the Clubhouse) were gradually being replaced by confidence and enthusiasm. Having said that, as we discuss in the next chapter, our studies have found that men continue to show more confidence than women overall.
I love “computing with a purpose”…
And keep that last sentence (re difference in confidence in men & women) in mind and consider the following article, “Not smart enough? Men overestimate intelligence in science class”
Excerpt:
“Boys who are drawn to STEM fields often are not the humanities-focused, artistic boys who might have a higher social IQ,” said Horn. “Often you have a concentration of socially awkward people who do socially inept things.”
That can scare off girls, and many boys, as well.
What helps? Having a mentor, said Horn. “Finding people in authority who can support your own sense of confidence and validate your way of learning,” she said.