Gender Differences in the Motivation for and Selection of Courses in a Summer Program for Academically Talented Students

Abstract

In this study, we examined gender differences in course enrollment patterns, reasons for course choice, and enjoyment of course. Participants consisted of 804 academically talented students (433 females, 371 males) attending a summer program. Data were self-reported and were collected on a program evaluation questionnaire. Males enrolled in traditionally male (TM) courses in significantly greater numbers than they enrolled in traditionally female (TF) courses, but female enrollment in the two types of courses was more equal. Asian American students' course enrollmnent in TM and TF courses was more balanced than non-Asian American student enrollment, and Asian American students endorsed fewer internal reasons than non-Asian students did. Students in TM classes endorsed more external reasons for course choice than their colleagues in TF classes. Finally, students who gave more internal reasons for course choice reported enjoying classes more than students who gave more external reasons. No gender differences in motivation were found.