Effects of Gender on Students’ Academic Performance in Chemistry in Secondary Schools: a Case of Kitui South Sub-county, Kitui County, Kenya

Abstract

The study purposed to explore the relationship between effects of gender and performance of students in chemistry subject in secondary schools in Kenya. It investigated three aspects of gender and how each aspect affects performance of students in chemistry. These aspects included; society perception on gender and how it affects academic performance of students in chemistry, Second, family environment on gender and its effects chemistry performance by students in secondary schools in Kenya, third, student attitude towards chemistry and how this affects how they do in the subject in Kenyan secondary school. Quantitative research method and precisely correlational research design was employed. All secondary schools in Kitui South Sub-County were the target population. The sample size was 318 respondents which comprised 6 secondary schools principals, 12 chemistry teachers and 300 students. Questionnaires were the main instrument for the study. The questionnaires were categorized into three categories; one for the schools principals, second category for chemistry teachers and the third category for students. For establishment of any relationship between three gender aspects and academic performance in chemistry Pearson correlations were used. The results indicated that society had different perceptions on male and female, with male perceived superior to female. In addition they indicated that students had negative attitude towards chemistry. The correlational results analysis showed a negative correlation between society perceptions and students’ attitude and performance in chemistry and positive correlation between family environment and performance. It was recommended that students be offered guidance and counseling to change their mindset concerning gender and to be given motivation to change their attitude to positive attitude towards chemistry. Suggestions made included replication of the study to other counties to improve generalization.