Gender Differences in High School Science in Israel

Abstract

AbstractWithin the framework of the Second IEA Science Study a representative sample of Israeli 12th grade students (N=2153) responded to a series of questionnaires and achievement tests in the last term of the academic years 1983 or 1984. The sample consisted of four groups, three of which specialising each in one of the sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) and one comprised of students who did not study any science in their junior and senior years. The purpose of this paper is to report on gender differences in achievement, attitudes, preferences, learning experiences and study habits. The major findings were as follows. The percentage of girls in each of the specialising groups are as follows. Biology: 61; chemistry: 49; physics: 31; non‐science: 66. More boys perceive themselves as high achievers in science and math. Significantly more boys like to study math and science more than other school subjects. Significantly more boys aspire for science‐oriented careers. Boys achieve better than girls in physics and in earth science, but their achievement in biology and chemistry is similar to that of girls. The achievement of non‐science girls is alarmingly low and with the exception of biology much lower than that of boys. Boys have more positive attitudes toward science and better understanding of the nature of science. >Girls express more positive attitudes to school but boys are more interested in science studies. There are no differences in cognitive preferences. Girls report on having more inquiry oriented experiences. More boys aspire for scientific research and engineering careers. Relatively more girls aspire for medical careers. The implications of these findings for science education in general and in Israel in particular are discussed.