GENDER DIFFERENCES AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED SUBJECTS IN PUBLICS SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EKPOMA, EDO STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of gender on students’ academic performance in Home Economics and Basic science in public secondary schools in Ekpoma, Edo State. Survey method of the descriptive research design was adopted in the study. The population of the study covered all the 3478 Junior Secondary School (JSS) students in the 16 public secondary schools in Ekpoma metropolis of Edo State. Eight (8) schools were randomly selected by lottery method in the study area. Data on students’ performance in Home Economics and Basic science were collected from the academic record of selected schools in the study area. Mean ( ) and standard deviations (S.D) were used to analyze the research questions while the t- for independent sample mean was used to test the hypothesis. Findings showed that the average performances of students in Home Economics and Basic Science are 61.6% and 50.3% respectively. Results further showed gender based differences in students’ academic performance in Home Economics (in favor of female students) and in Basic Science (in favour of their male counterparts). It was recommended that Teachers teaching these subjects should take cognizance of sex differences in students’ performance in Home Economics and Basic Science and therefore, Endeavour to encourage male students with the necessary morals they need to compete favorably with the females in Home Economics.