ABSTRACT
The research study was aimed at investigating the effect of gender difference on academic performance of chemistry students in some selected secondary schools of Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Some schools within Zaria were chosen, 100 students (50 males, 50 females) were randomly selected from each school making a total of 100 students in all.For the statistical analysis of the data, the mean performance of male students and the mean performance of the female students were calculated. The result showed that the male students performed better than female students in chemistry.
The t-test was also used to see if there was any significant difference between the performance of male and female students. The results, showed that there was a significant different in their performance. Based on the analysis of the data, various suggestions and recommendations were made for the improvement of the performance of both sexes in chemistry generally. It is hope that findings from this study would be of help to educational administrations, chemistry teachers, students of chemistry, parents, government and other science as a whole in Zaria Local government area of Kaduna state.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
A gender difference is one of the major problems facing the Nigeria society; the ongoing incidence plays a significant role in the well-being of children especially the girl child and their academic performance. According to Maceoby and Jackline (1974), blot Jeane (1979) stated that sex differences also contribute to variation in academic performance while archer and mc advocate that of boys better perform better than girls in many subjects. So basing on the above controversies among teachers and scholars, the research seeks to find out whether there are significant differences between boys and girls in academic performances and more so find out the causes for academic differences.
The governance of schools is therefore done through a coalition of interest, working together while performing different roles all aimed at enabling the school to operate and achieve its aims and objectives. The success in academic performance in schools is dependent on the quality of services available.
Academic performance is the quality and quantity of knowledge, skills, techniques and positive attitudes, behavior and philosophy that students achieve or acquire. This achievement is evaluated by the mark or grade that students attain in a term or education cycle.
The quality of grades and the number of students that pass in the various grades determine the level of academic performanceThere are many factors, which account for the good or poor academic performance in secondary schools like; the quality of students admitted the type of scholastic materials available in the school and home environment, the methods of teaching, the nature of administration and teachers involvement in academic matters.
However, it seems that the most important factor to the academic performance of students is the impact of sex differences on students; academic matters.
In the same way, academic performance in secondary schools is a concern of all people who have invested interest in schools. This category may include teachers, parents, administrators, proprietors and the public. Regarding performance discrepancies of boys and girls, Megary (1984) concluded that once out of the primary school environment, Females under achieve in a variety of subjects. The study in this regard wishes to carry out an investigative study on the effect of gender difference on academic performance of chemistry students in secondary schools
1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
Research has shown that there are sex differences in the academic performance between boys and girls and researchers who have come out with contradicting finding about the impact of sex differences on academic performance have showed this. No similar studies have been undertaken in Nigeria.
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main aim of the research work is to investigate on the effect of gender differences on academic performance of chemistry students in secondary school. Other specific objectives of the study include:
- To establish academic performance of boys and girls.
- To establish differences in academic performance between boys and girls.
- To establish factors that lead to difference in academic performance.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The study came up with research question so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives of the study. The research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the academic performance of boys and girls?
- What are differences in academic performance of boys and girls?
- What factors leads to academic performance between boys and girls?
1.5 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
H0: there is no significant difference in the academic performance between boys and girls
H1: there is significant difference in the academic performance between boys and girls
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This study might be of great importance to the following groups of people:
Teacher
The teacher used this study to design suitable methods of teaching and to make the subject they teach relevant, interesting and meaningful to the learners. The teacher in grouping learners for self help, grouping in the class, that is, they avoid to bundle boys alone in one group but mix them with the rest of their girls counter parts.
It will also help them have an insight into some factors that affect girls’ academic performance.
It will also help them have an insight into some factors affecting the girl child academic performance. The teachers are also to explain to lay men in the profession of teaching, why boys are better classroom positions whenever responsibilities and tests are given respectively.
Researchers
Other researchers may use this report as a point of reference and a base for carrying out research in other related areas of education.
1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY
The study was carried out in some selected secondary schools in Nigeria from 2012-2016
1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY
Financial constraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
In the study, terms used vary in meaning depending on their different contexts; it is therefore, the intention of the researcher to use the following meanings whenever the mention of the will be made;
Impact: The force with which one thing hits another or with which two things hit each other.
Sex: A state of being either male or female
School: Is a social institution that has a set up to ensure intellectual and cultural progress through teachings and learning?
Performance: Students academic score attained in a given task
Discrepancies: Differences between two things that should be the same.
