Graduate Student Research Symposium 2026

This proposed study explores how computer science (CS) education can be taught through Hawaiian epistemology and how culturally grounded professional development can support kaiapuni teachers in teaching CS. With an increase in computer science standards being more widely recognized throughout K-12 schools today, many teachers in the kaiapuni system lack the training and confidence in teaching basic CS concepts. This study will design and hopefully implement a professional development program that highlights connections between computer science principles and Hawaiian ways of knowing. I plan to study how participation in and/or integration of the program will influence teachers, including their perspectives, classroom practices, and, most importantly, their confidence. Data collection will include surveys, interviews, and possible classroom observations. The overall goal of my study is to better understand the availability or the lack thereof of teacher development courses that specifically integrate CS in a typical Hawaiian immersion classroom.