GENDER DIFFERENCE IN STUDENT’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS MATHEMATIC AND THEIR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AT SECONDARY LEVEL

Abstract

The study was in purpose to find gender differences in student’s attitude towards mathematic and their academic achievement at secondary level. Data for this study was collected through the questionnaires from the students at Secondary schools of Rawalakot (three schools) and Muzaffarabad (two schools). Two hundred students (100) boys and (100) girls were selected randomly from available selected schools. Attitude scale towards mathematics (39 items) and academic achievement scale (65 items) were used as research instruments. The analysis of data revealed non-significant gender differences on the basis of enjoyment and motivation of mathematics. Significant gender differences were found regarding fear and anxiety of mathematics, females had more anxiety and fear then males. Furthermore, male students had more confidence and self-concept of mathematics then female students. Value and utility of mathematics is more in males then females. However, parents and teachers expect more from boys for good achievement and attitude of male students towards mathematics was greater than females.  It was also observed that there were non-significant gender differences in overall academic achievement in mathematics.

Keywords: Academic Achievement; Gender differences; Attitude; Mathematics; Secondary School Students.