Fostering Diversity in Software Engineering Education: A Challenge-Based Approach to Integrate Non-STEM Students

Afonso Sales, Nicolas Nascimento, Rafael Chanin, Aline de Campos

2025

Abstract

This paper proposes an innovative approach to addressing the lack of diversity in software engineering education by integrating non-STEM students into mobile app development programs. Leveraging the Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) methodology, this idea paper explores how targeted instructional strategies and preparatory leveling sessions can empower students from diverse academic backgrounds to succeed in highly technical environments. By breaking traditional barriers to programming education, this approach fosters an inclusive learning environment that enhances technical skills and encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation. We present the conceptual framework and practical implications of this inclusive model, offering insights into how this approach can be adopted across different educational settings to promote diversity and innovation in software engineering.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Sales A., Nascimento N., Chanin R. and de Campos A. (2025). Fostering Diversity in Software Engineering Education: A Challenge-Based Approach to Integrate Non-STEM Students. In Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU; ISBN 978-989-758-746-7, SciTePress, pages 830-837. DOI: 10.5220/0013440600003932

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu25,
author={Afonso Sales and Nicolas Nascimento and Rafael Chanin and Aline de Campos},
title={Fostering Diversity in Software Engineering Education: A Challenge-Based Approach to Integrate Non-STEM Students},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU},
year={2025},
pages={830-837},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013440600003932},
isbn={978-989-758-746-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU
TI - Fostering Diversity in Software Engineering Education: A Challenge-Based Approach to Integrate Non-STEM Students
SN - 978-989-758-746-7
AU - Sales A.
AU - Nascimento N.
AU - Chanin R.
AU - de Campos A.
PY - 2025
SP - 830
EP - 837
DO - 10.5220/0013440600003932
PB - SciTePress