Perceptions of parents on gender differences in mathematics in secondary schools in Arua Municipality, Arua District, Uganda.
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Date
2003-11
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Kampala International University, College of Education, Open and Distance Learning
Abstract
Over the past two decades, women limited participation in science, technology and
mathematics (SMT) courses in tertiary institutions have been a cause for a concern in
Uganda. Women today, constitute over half of the world population. This research was
designed to investigate the present situation of female participation in SMT in Arua
Municipality, visa-a vis the effects of this limited participation on national development.
Data for the study were obtained from a survey conducted in two Local Government
Di\ ision Areas of Oil Rivcr and Ama Hill divisions, the west Nile region head quarters.
Questionnaires, guided inte~iews 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. The result obtained confirms the earlier
assertion that female are underrepresented in SMT. It also showed 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. Also, 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 School Of Postgraduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of Master of Education in Management and Administration of Kampala International University
Keywords
Perceptions, Parents, Gender differences, Mathematics