Girls’ Achievement in Mathematics In The Upper Primary Schools Of Addis Ababa

Abstract

This study was designed to make a comprehensive comparative
analysis about mathematics achievement for girls and boys at upper primary
education level. It was also aimed at investigating the extent of association between
girls’ mathematics achievement and school ownership, and probing into existing
gender stereotypes among the minds of school children. To this end, the study has
employed both objective and subjective data gathering instruments. The
instruments were applied to 309 boys and 302 girls drawn from 10 schools (five
schools each from government and non-government) on the basis of diversified
sampling techniques. The results of data analyses revealed that mathematics
achievement was strongly associated with student gender and girls’ achievement
was significantly lower than that of boys. However, girls’ mathematics performance
did not show significant difference in government and non-government schools.
Further, it was evident that traditional stereotypes, which favour male dominance in
mathematical ability, were still prevalent at modest level in the schools studied.
Thus, a concerted effort by teachers, parents, relevant agencies, and the
Government is required to ameliorate the prevailing gender gap in mathematics
achievement.