HBCU Students' Experiences with Data Structures and the Need for Equity Pedagogies

Data structures are a known foundational topic for computing students. Thus, it is important to understand students' experiences, particularly minority students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This work discusses HBCU computing students' and alumni's experiences learning data structures and the potential of culturally sustaining pedagogy as a solution to improve those experiences. Our research shows that participants have negative experiences in data structure classes, leading to a lack of long-term understanding and frustration during learning. Students want and understand the importance of including culture in computing education despite little to no direct experience in their current education.