Influence of gender on academic performance in science subjects a case study of Githumu zone Kandara division central Kenya
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Date
2008-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, Institute of Open and Distance Learning
Abstract
A study on Gender and Academic performance in science was carried out in Githumu
Zone with the purpose of investigating and establishing the factors influencing Gender
and academic performance in the science subject in Githumu Zone. The specific
objective of the study were/ to compare out the boys/girls attitude towards the study of
science. To identify some cultural practices that affect the performance of learners in
the science. To establish whether both sexes participate fully in the science teaching
learning situation. To determine whether motivation and the resources affect gender
and academic performance of science in Githumu Zone. To identify appropriate
intervention measures for the problems.
The method used in the investigation were qualitative, and descriptive given the nature
of the research problem. Data was obtained mainly from two sources namely the pupils
profile and teachers profile where a researcher formulate a questionnaires and
distributed to them for assisting him to carry out the study. The population studied
consisted of one hundred pupils where girls and boys sampled were equal and thirty
teachers, eighteen male teachers and twelve female teachers who handles science
subject in their respective schools. Teachers are all trained and obtained various
qualifications and grades.
A questionnaire was developed from the sampled respondents. This instrument
contained level of gender and academic performance.
The researcher based his questionnaire in area namely, attitude, social cultural
motivation language and teaching resources. Each area contained questions quantified
into the following 5: strongly agree, 4: agree, 3: disagree, 2: strongly disagree, 1:
undecided.
After collection of the data, the researcher calculated the frequency and percentage to
determine the level of attitude and academic performance in science in the areas such
as social influence on gender performance, Differing attitude towards education by
gende0 gender and performance in science classroom interaction and participation,
science and learning resource. It was found out that social influence on gender
performance, gender and performance in science greatly contribute the performance by
gender. The teaching strategies and language used by science teachers were also found
to be ineffective classroom intervention and participation was also found to be poor. It
was also found that both pupils and teachers have poor attitude toward science by
gender. However it was observed that teachers and pupils posed some positive attitude
towards science but there is room for improvement
Description
A research report submitted to the Institute of Open and Distance Learning in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Award of the Bachelor of education in early childhood and primary education of Kampala International University
Keywords
gender, academic performance, science