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November 17, 2004
Gender Differences Exist in Teenage Perceptions of
Math and English
Findings of a study indicate
that teenagers' view of math and English vary greatly between the sexes. These perceptions
affect student achievement as well as career choices, according to study researchers.
Girls and boys had positive views towards English up to grade seven but from grade seven
to eleven both girls and boys viewed English unfavorably. The goal of the study was to
determine if teenage perceptions of math and English remained constant or deteriorated
upon entry into secondary school and whether there were any differences in these views
between boys and girls. Past studies have indicated that academic achievement declines in
the secondary school years. |
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book and video shop
Methods
Researchers recruited 1,323 students from Australian middle and high schools and
questioned them regarding their performance and perceptions of math and English Subjects
were followed up to grade 11.
Results
Over time the subjects viewed math and English unfavorably.
Girls:
1) They thought math was more difficult than boys
2) Their interest in math declined throughout the secondary school years
3) They viewed their abilities more favorably during the senior years in high school
4) Their perception of English was worse during high school
Boys:
1) Their level of enthusiasm for math remained constant throughout the secondary years
2) They thought that English was more difficult in the secondary years, but still had a
more favorable view of it than girls.
All students
1) held negative views of math by the 12th grade
2) believed their academic abilities declined during the secondary years, however, boys
still had more positive views of their abilities
3) thought that English became more difficult in high school and doubted their abilities
in it
Conclusion
Researchers concluded that educators and policy planners should work to address the
perceptual differences in math and English which can affect the developmental and career
outcomes of children.
Complete findings of the study appear in Child Development, Vol. 75, Issue 5, September
2004
”Development of Adolescents' Self Perceptions, Values and Task Perceptions According
to Gender and Domain in 7th through 11th Grade” |
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