Philip A. Sands

Research Interests

My research interests include computer science education, motivation in computer science, and broadening participation in computing — specifically, the application of motivational theory in computer science classrooms to benefit marginalized students in computing.

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

1. Bouck, E.C., Sands, P., Long, H., & Yadav, A. (2021). Preparing special education preservice teachers to teach computational thinking and computer science. Teacher Education and Special Education. doi
2. Archer, A., Sederberg, D., Kondapaneni, G., & Sands, P. (2020). The search for exoplanets: A capstone project in service learning and outreach. The Physics Teacher, 58(5), 356–358. doi
3. Sands, P., & Capobianco, B. (2019). Cascaded mentoring for gender inclusion in computer science. Butler Center for Leadership Excellence and ADVANCE Working Paper Series, 1(2), 16–25. pdf
4. Sands, P. (2019). Addressing cognitive load in the computer science classroom. ACM Inroads, 10(1), 44–51. doi
5. Gretter, S., Yadav, A., Sands, P., & Hambrusch, S. (2019). Equitable learning environments in K-12 computing: Teachers' views on barriers to diversity. ACM Transactions on Computing Education, 19(3), 24:1–16. doi
6. Yadav, A., Gretter, S., Hambrusch, S., & Sands, P. (2016). Expanding computer science education in schools: Understanding teacher experiences and challenges. Computer Science Education, 4, 235–254. doi

Book Chapters

1. Yadav, A., Sands, P., Good, J., & Lishinski, A. (2018). Computer science and computational thinking in the curriculum: Research and practice. In J. Voogt & G. Knezek (Eds.), The International Handbook of Information Technology in Primary and Secondary Education.
2. Sands, P., Yadav, A., & Good, J. (2018). Computational thinking in K-12: In-service teacher perceptions of computational thinking. In M. S. Khine (Ed.), Research Highlights in Computational Thinking.

Peer-Reviewed Conference Proceedings

1. Moudgalya, S., Yadav, A., Sands, P., Vogel, S., & Zamansky, M. (2021). Teacher views on computational thinking as a pathway to computer science. In Proceedings of ITiCSE '21. ACM, 262–268. doi
2. Yadav, A., Lishinski, A., & Sands, P. (2021). Self-efficacy profiles for computer science teachers. In Proceedings of SIGCSE '21. ACM, 302–308. doi
3. Sands, P., & Yadav, A. (2020). Self-regulation for high school learners in a MOOC computer science course. In Proceedings of SIGCSE '20. ACM, 845–851. doi
4. Mehta, S., Good, J., Sands, P., Yadav, A., Gretter, S., & Levenhagen-Seeley, J. (2018). Impact of after-school learning programs on high school girls' confidence and interest in computing. In Proceedings of SITE '18. AACE, 372–378. link
5. Yadav, A., Berges, M., Sands, P., & Good, J. (2016). Measuring computer science pedagogical content knowledge: An exploratory analysis of teaching vignettes to measure teacher knowledge. In Proceedings of WiPSCE '16. ACM, 92–95. doi
6. Lishinski, A., Good, J., Sands, P., & Yadav, A. (2016). Methodological rigor and theoretical foundations of CS education research. In Proceedings of ICER '16. ACM, 161–169. doi

Presentations (Selected)

• Sands, P. (2023, May). K-12 student preparation for computer science at the post-secondary level. Michigan CSTA PLN.
• Sands, P., & Moudgalya, S. (2021, April). Teacher views on computational thinking as a pathway to computer science. AERA Conference.
• Sands, P., & Yadav, A. (2020, March). Self-regulation for high school learners in a MOOC computer science course. SIGCSE, Portland, OR.
• Walker, W.S., III, Bayley, W., Sands, P. (2017, January). Integrated STEM Lessons for High School. Indiana STEM School Summit, West Lafayette, IN.
• Sands, P. (2016, July). Building a Computer Science Community of Practice for the Indiana CSTA Chapter. Purdue CS Teacher Workshop, West Lafayette, IN.
• Yadav, A., Gretter, S., Sands, P., Hambrusch, S., Korb, T., & Qian, Y. (2015, July). From Online Professional Development to Classroom Pedagogy. CSTA Annual Meeting, Grapevine, TX.
• Sands, P. (2014, November). How to Recruit Diverse Students to your Computer Science Classroom. IBEA Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• Walker, W.S., III, & Sands, P. (2013, October). Investigating the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practices. ICTM Conference, Indianapolis, IN.

Grants Received (Selected)

• CS 180 HS: An Online AP Computer Science Course for High School Students (2016). PI: Sands, P. Laura and John Arnold Foundation, $55,000.
• Building Computer Science Communities of Practice (2016). PI: Sands, P. State Farm Insurance Systems Priority School Grant, $20,000.
• Content Thematic Units for Integrated STEM Education (2014–2016). Co-PI: Sands, P. Indiana Dept. of Education MSP Program, $250,000 (total project).
• Encouraging the Participation of Women in Computer Science through Mentoring and After-school Organizations (2014–2016). PI: Sands, P. State Farm Insurance Systems Priority School Grant, $16,250.

Service

Journal Reviewer

• ACM Transactions on Computing Education
• Computing & Education
• Journal of Women and Minorities in Science Education

Conference Reviewer

• Computer Science Teachers Association Annual Conference (2015, 2016)