Differences in Gender Perceptions of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Students and Teachers on Science Technology Engineering Agriculture Mathematics (STEAM) Education

Abstract

The study compared the gender differences perceived by teachers and students on the current Science Technology Engineering Agriculture Mathematics (STEAM) practices in Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs). It is assumed in this study that STEAM fields are often male-dominated, and STEAM courses are less attractive to female students. A descriptive survey was used in this study. Data were collected from a validated questionnaire. Teachers of STEAM disciplines (n=1,016), and students (n=24,172) were selected using multi-stage random sampling. Purposive sampling was used in selecting CHED higher education institutions centers of excellence in selected regions. Means and t-tests were computed in analyzing the data using a statistical tool. Findings revealed that male and female students are significantly different in the perception of the program objectives and program outcomes, faculty, program curricula, instructional materials, procedures and techniques, assessment and evaluation, and administrative support and policies. Male and female teachers similarly perceived the factors except for some in specific STEAM fields. The research suggests that gender disparity could be minimized in STEAM degrees by implementing gender policies.