Gender Difference in Achievement and Attitude of Public Secondary School Students towards Science

Abstract

This research focuses on the gender difference in attitude and academic performance of students in selected public secondary schools in Akoko Land. The population for this study was made up of all the Junior Secondary Schools Three (JSS3) students in Akoko Land. Three hypotheses were raised to guide this study. 1626 student, (810 males, 816 females) were randomly selected for the study. Data on academic achievement was collected for this research through the classroom teachers’ records. Attitude questionnaire was developed by the researcher to measure the respondents’ scientific attitudes as well their attitudes toward science. Inferential statistical tool, i.e., t-test and correlation was employed in the analysis of the data. The result obtained revealed that there was a significant sex difference in the performance of students in science. A significant difference was also observed in the attitude of male and female students. A positive relationship was observed in the attitude and performance students in science. A positive relationship was also observed between attitude towards science and scientific attitudes of the respondentsConclusively, sex of learners is an important factor that must be considered in the teaching and learning of science. Both male and female developmental input are required for the development of science and technology in the society. The researcher recommends that a gender sensitive approach must be employed to bridge up the gender gap in the attitudes and performance of secondary school students in public schools.

Keywords: Public secondary school, Gender, Academic Performance, Attitude towards science, Scientific Attitudes