Gender and pair programming–Effects of the gender composition of pairs on collaboration in a robotics workshop

The goal of this video study was to investigate whether the gender composition a pair influences collaboration during programming process. Pair is an agile software development technique in which two people share computer and jointly develop program. One programmers, driver, operates keyboard mouse; other, navigator, reviews code helps without touching or mouse. These roles are swapped at regular intervals. Video data were collected half-day robotics workshop for students Grades 5–9 (10–14 years old) gifted 3–6 (8–11 University Teacher Education Lucerne. A total 203 pairs with different compositions (homogeneous female, homogeneous male, heterogeneous) filmed Without consideration grade level research results showed that there no significant differences between based on terms task-solving speed, number assistance requests, role changes, rule violations by navigator. In heterogeneous pairs, male female navigator intervened equally often. initially appear be consistent several previous studies, also found composition. However, when only 7–9 (12–14 considered, differences. First, violated does not touch mouse more often than other pairs. This suggests ideal old). Second, as previously shown greatest variability speed. may indicate compatibility issues among some 7–9. study, quantitatively measurable indicators considered. Further should therefore focus quality collaboration.