Gender differentials in mathematics achievement of primary school pupils in Busaana Sub county, Kayunga District Uganda
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Date
2012-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University,College of Education
Abstract
Over the past two decades, women limited participation in science, technology and
mathematics (SMT) courses in tertiary institutions have been a cause for concern in
Uganda. Women today, constitute over half of the world’s population. This report
therefore, discusses the present situation of female participation in SMT in Busaana
Sub County, some of the factors that tend to hinder females’ participation in SMT, vis-à
vis the effects of this limited participation on national development. Data for the study
were obtained from a survey conducted in January- June, 2012 in the local government
division area of Kayunga district. Very rich literatures were got from text books (both
edited and not), Journals, Booklets, the website and great speeches relating to the topic
problem. Questionnaires, guided interviews and focus group discussions were among the
methods used in soliciting for the data from the respondents. A total of 100 students, 40
parents and 50 teachers were successfully interviewed. This paper confirms the earlier
assertion that female are underrepresented in SMT. It also reveals that: more than 70% of
the parents, 66% of teachers and 76% of students accepted that there was gender disparity
in SMT; Socialization processes inculcated gender biases through the different roles and
responsibilities assigned to girls and boys. A package of communication strategies are
therefore recommended to encourage teachers and researchers to recognize prejudicial
practices which may still disadvantage girls particularly within classrooms, even where
policy and statistics suggest that equality has been achieved. Among the recommendations
made were that, career guidance teachers should play a major role in showing girls how
to choose subjects combination in high school which suits their aptitudes and, family
members should encourage girls to take up scientific programs
Description
A research report submitted to the college of education
distance and e - learning in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the Award of a Diploma in
primary education of Kampala
International University
Keywords
Mathematics, Primary schools, Kayunga District