2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Assessing Entrepreneurial Mindset in Computer Science Students Using Concept Mapping

Presented at Entrepreneurship & Engineering Innovation Division (ENT) Technical Session 5

The purpose of this research is to improve computer science and engineering student's understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset and how it affects STEM undergraduates. Computer science and engineering students are often taught through theory and computations. Concept maps provide a creative approach to teaching and assessment that connects current education to real world topics. The research team created a module for three undergraduate computer science courses to build a concept map on how computer scientists and engineers create value. Ninety maps were then evaluated using two methods: quantitative using standard concept mapping methods and qualitative using established rubrics. This paper reviews the data from the study resulting in a thorough comprehension of how concept maps as a learning tool is received by undergraduate computer science and engineering students. The results indicate that students generated an average of 13 concepts and scored 2.1/3 on the standard rubric. This is well aligned with baseline data from the literature for other groups of undergraduate students.

Authors

Arwen Elizabeth Pearson University of Washington [biography]

Undergraduate mechanical engineering student at the University of Washington Tacoma. Set to graduate June 2024. Conducting
undergraduate research with Heather Dillon on the benefits of concept mapping in computer science and numerical methods courses as of December 2023.
Mr. Simon Njoroge University of Washington [biography]

Simon Njoroge is a driven Mechanical Engineering student born and raised in Central Kenya, currently finalizing his Bachelor of Science degree in the United States. In addition to his academic endeavors, Njoroge is deeply interested in the realm of Building Control Systems, showcasing a profound passion for optimizing system performance and functionality. His journey is uniquely characterized by the intricate balance of work and school, a testament to his perseverance and commitment. As a first-generation college student, Njoroge's path is mapped with resilience and determination, marking him as a trailblazer in his family. Furthermore, Njoroge's dedication to empowering others is evident in his founding of a mentorship program tailored to guide immigrant students navigating the complexities of engineering education and acclimating to a new academic system. Through this initiative, Njoroge not only shares his expertise but also cultivates a supportive community, ensuring that aspiring engineers receive the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive in their educational pursuits.
Menaka Abraham http://orcid.org/https://0009-0000-8250-5915 University of Washington [biography]

Menaka Abraham is a Teaching Professor of Computer Science & Systems at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her research interests are in student-support and evidence-based pedagogical practices.
Dr. Heather Dillon http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4467-2306 University of Washington [biography]

Dr. Heather Dillon is Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her research team is working on energy efficiency, renewable energy, fundamental heat transfer, and engineering education.

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