Authors :
Thomas Nipielim Tindan; George Aduni
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 10 - October
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3deudzs2
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/3cn2kerz
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24OCT1500
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Despite ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity
in science education, the persistent gender gap in physics
remains a pressing concern. This study investigated
potential gender differences in physics performance
among senior high school students at Mankranso Senior
High School in Ghana. A descriptive survey design was
employed, utilizing student physics test scores from a
stratified random sample (N = 111; 79 males, 32 females)
from a population of 184 students. Descriptive statistics
and inferential statistical tests were used to analyse the
data. Descriptive statistics revealed a slightly higher mean
score for females (M = 43.65, SD = 21.78) compared to
males (M = 39.39, SD = 21.15). However, a two-sample t-
test (t = - 0.721, df = 56, p = 0.474) showed no statistically
significant difference in mean physics test scores between
male and female students. Levene’s test for equality of
variances (F = 0.210, p = 0.649) confirmed that the
variability of scores was not significantly different
between genders. The following conclusion was made,
while females have a slightly higher average score (42.31)
compared to males (41.29), the difference is not
statistically significant. The study emphasizes the
importance of creating equitable learning environments,
focusing on individual student needs, and promoting
inclusive practices that encourage all students to thrive in
STEM fields. The following recommendations was made;
be aware of potential unconscious biases that might
impact how you interact with or perceive students of
different genders. Offer students opportunities for
enrichment, advanced coursework, or participation in
science competitions. Further investigation and
consideration of other potential factors influencing
performance is recommended to gain a more
comprehensive understanding.
Keywords :
Cross-Sectional Study, Distribution of Scores, Normal Distribution, Gender Differences, Attitudes, Beliefs, Classroom Dynamics.
References :
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- Bamidele, L. (2004). Students’ poor performance in physics. A bane to our nation’s technological development. Nigerian Journal of Science Education and Practice, 2(1), 174.
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- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). Sexual harassment in academic science, engineering, and medicine. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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- Wilmot, E. M. (2008). An investigation into the profile of Ghanaian high school mathematics teachers’ knowledge for teaching algebra and its relationship with students’ performance. Retrieved July 26, 2011, fromhttp://www.grin.com/en/doc.
- Tetteh. N. K. H., Wilmot E. M. & Ashong. D. (2018). Gender differences in performance in mathematics among preservice teachers in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. International journal of education, learning and development 6(5), 38-45.
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Despite ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity
in science education, the persistent gender gap in physics
remains a pressing concern. This study investigated
potential gender differences in physics performance
among senior high school students at Mankranso Senior
High School in Ghana. A descriptive survey design was
employed, utilizing student physics test scores from a
stratified random sample (N = 111; 79 males, 32 females)
from a population of 184 students. Descriptive statistics
and inferential statistical tests were used to analyse the
data. Descriptive statistics revealed a slightly higher mean
score for females (M = 43.65, SD = 21.78) compared to
males (M = 39.39, SD = 21.15). However, a two-sample t-
test (t = - 0.721, df = 56, p = 0.474) showed no statistically
significant difference in mean physics test scores between
male and female students. Levene’s test for equality of
variances (F = 0.210, p = 0.649) confirmed that the
variability of scores was not significantly different
between genders. The following conclusion was made,
while females have a slightly higher average score (42.31)
compared to males (41.29), the difference is not
statistically significant. The study emphasizes the
importance of creating equitable learning environments,
focusing on individual student needs, and promoting
inclusive practices that encourage all students to thrive in
STEM fields. The following recommendations was made;
be aware of potential unconscious biases that might
impact how you interact with or perceive students of
different genders. Offer students opportunities for
enrichment, advanced coursework, or participation in
science competitions. Further investigation and
consideration of other potential factors influencing
performance is recommended to gain a more
comprehensive understanding.
Keywords :
Cross-Sectional Study, Distribution of Scores, Normal Distribution, Gender Differences, Attitudes, Beliefs, Classroom Dynamics.